e 1807-1893 at | { CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY , HISTORY —OF THE — FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH —OF THE — CITY OF LANCASTER, PA., — FROM — 1807 to 1898. WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF EARLIER EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH METHODISM IN LANCASTER. — ALSO AN — APPENDIX CONTAINING A SKETCH OF 8T.PAUL’S M. E, CHURCH, BY THE PASTOR, AND ‘‘CONESTOGA’S’’ NOTES ON THE CONFERENCE OF 1855. Ras JOHN 8S. J. McCONNELL, D. D. LANCASTER, PA. THE NEW ERA PRINTING HOUSE. 1893, ee, Br PY S/ LAmijye His $6 3237 & \? x9 TO THE OLDEST SURVIVING PASTOR OF THE First Mrruopist EpiscopaL CHuRCH OF THE CITY OF LANCASTER, PA., THE REV. JAMES NEILL, PASTOR IN 1838-1840, THIS COMPILATION IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY HIS OBLIGED FRIEND AND BROTHER IN THE MINISTRY, Joun S. Janes McOonne.t, PASTOR IN 1891-1893. PREFACE. In the preparation of this brief history the compiler has endeavored to give permanent form to facts which were in danger of being lost and to bring to the light items of historic interest and value con- tained in records and documents not readily accessible to the members and friends of the church. In addition to acknowledgments made in the body of the book, thanks are hereby tendered to Walter A. Haldy, Joseph H. Selvert and James Black for favors extended and help afforded. If what is here written shall result in giving in- spiration and zeal to the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lancaster, so that they may preserve their heritage and transmit the blessings of a pure gospel to their children and their children’s children, the writer will have his reward and to God shall be all the praise. JOHN 8. JANES McCONNELL. LancastEr, Pa., February 1, 1893. PART I METHODIST PREACHING IN LANCASTER PRIOR TO A. D. 1807. Local historians; the latest history of Lancaster county; sketch by the Rev. J. T. Satchell; the Rev. John Lednum’s reference to Lancaster, Pennsylvania; two circuits named Lancaster in 1794; Chester and Lancaster in 1795; Strasburg circuit mentioned in 1796; the minutes of 1797; the Conference for 1797; the Journal of the Rev. Wm. Colbert; Chester and Strasburg circuit; extent of the circuit; preaching appoint- ments; the first record of regular Methodist preaching in Lan- caster; the first Methodist sermon in Lancaster said to have been preached by the Rev. Henry Boehm; sketch by John B. Good, Esq.; a brickbat for the preacher ; newspaper articles by the Rev. G. W. Lybrand; Journal of the Rev. Joseph Pilmoor; mention of the Rev. Joseph Pilmoor; the oldest record of Methodist preaching in Lancaster; two beginnings for Method- ism in Lancaster; Bishop Asbury’s reference to Lancaster: the first sermon by a Methodist preacher in Lancaster attributed to the Rev. Joseph Pilmoor; the old court house; the Rev. William Colbert’s first sermon in Lancaster; Chester and Stras- burg circuit in 1799; Lancaster abandoned by Methodist preachers in 1798; appointments in 1807; the translation of the Discipline of the M. E. Church into the German language; the Rev. Henry Boehm and Doctor Romer the translators; Henry and Benjamin Grimler the printers; the Rev. Henry Boehm’s meeting with Philip Benedict and wife; the date of the meet- ing; the formation of a class; the house of Philip Benedict. HE historians of Lancaster county, prior to A. D. 1883, whose works are now accessible, were either so poorly informed in regard to the existence, 1* 6 Methodist Preaching in Lancaster strength and influence of Methodism, or so pre- judiced against it, that they gave it little more than passing notice. One of the largest and most comprehensive his- tories of Lancaster county, a work regarded by many citizens as exhaustive and reliable, devotes a section containing thirty-one lines, in a royal octavo volume of seven hundred and ninety-two pages to an account of the Methodism of the county from its in- troduction to A. D. 1869. These thirty-one lines are divided into five para- graphs. The first paragraph contains five sentences, only one of which is even approximately true. The other paragraphs have about an equal amount of truth. So far as the history of the Methodists in Lancaster county is concerned, the section might have been entirely omitted.* An earlier history contains the following: “Tn 1781 Methodist ministers first visited this county, and in 1782 the Lancaster circuit was formed, and the Rev. William Partridge appointed as minister. * * * In the city of Lancaster the Rev. Jacob Gruber preached occasionally about the year 1705 and 1706.” + Two of the foregoing sentences are inaccurate. Jacob Gruber was not born until 1778. * An Authentic History of Lancaster County; by J. I. Mom- bert, D. D., 1869, pp. 456, 457. +History of Lancaster County by I. Daniel Rupp, 1842, pp. 461, 462. Prior to A. D. 1807. 7 The latest history of Lancaster county, copyrighted in 1891, a book intended for the school and home, says: “The oldest Methodist Church in the county is known as Boehm’s Chapel. It is situated one mile from Willow Street. This was built in 1780, and named after the Rev. Henry Boehm, who died as late 1875 at the advanced age of one hundred years and a few months. He was born in 1775.” * This is all it records of the Methodism of Lan- caster county. It is hardly conceivable that Boehm’s Chapel was named after a mere child, five years of age, if it was built in 1780. The centennial of the existence of Boehm’s Chapel was being observed in 1891, when this history was passing through the press, and the public papers had full accounts of its origin and naming. The discrepancies can only be attributed to careless authorship and equally care- less editing. In the History of Lancaster County edited by Messrs. Ellis and Evans and published in 1883, there is a sketch of the First, or, as it is popularly called, the Duke Street, Methodist Episcopal Church, pre- pared by the Rev. James T. Satchell at that time pastor of the church. To Mr. Satchell the church: and society at large are indebted for many interest-- ing items of history, but later investigation has re-- vealed some errors, especially in regard to dates, and! added numerous facts of great importance and value.. *Brief History of Lancaster County, 1891, pp. 235, 236. 8 Methodist Preaching in Lancaster The former are corrected, and the latter are embodied in the following pages. * * * * * % * The Rey. John Lednum in his invaluable work entitled “A History of the Rise of Methodism in America,” referring to the new circuits named in the minutes of the Conference for A. D. 1782, men- tions Lancaster, in Pennsylvania. The minutes, however, simply give the name of a circuit, and the name of the preacher appointed to it, without nam- ing the State, thus, “‘ Lancaster, William Partridge.” Seventy members were reported in the Society. This Lancaster did not appear in the list of cir- cuits for 1783 and 1784, and was not mentioned again until 1785. In 1790 the membership was re- ported as embracing 713 white and 3800 colored members. These figures could not apply to Lan- caster, Pennsylvania. A careful examination of the minutes of subsequent years furnishes satisfactory evidence that the Lancaster mentioned in 1782 was Lancaster, Virginia, near the mouth of the Rappa- hannock River. In the minutes for 1794 two circuits bearing the name of Lancaster are mentioned, the new one hav- ing 256 white and 4 colored members. In the minutes of 1793 and 1794 may be found circumstantial evidence justifying the inference that for a very few years prior to 1794 Lancaster county was within the bounds of Chester circuit. Isaac Robinson and Elisha Pelham were the Prior to A. D. 1807. 9 preachers appointed to Lancaster circuit in 1794, while Valentine Cook was elder. In 1795 Chester and Lancaster were united under the double name, Chester having reported a decrease of members during 1794, a decrease accounted for by the formation of Lancaster circuit. John Jarrell, Thomas F. Sargent and John Robinson were the preachers. John Merrick was elder. In 1796 Strasburg was mentioned as a circuit with 152 white and 150 colored members. This circuit must have been formed out of Chester and Lancaster circuit. Ephraim Chambers and James Stokes were the preachers. Thomas Ware was elder. The minutes of 1797 show that William Colbert was appointed to Chester, and William P. Chandler to Strasburg. Thomas Ware was Presiding Elder. This was the first year the title “ Presiding Elder” was used authoritatively. In 1789 the name was used, but as it implied a distinction not then author- ized its use was discontinued. The Conference for 1797 had been appointed to be held in Philadelphia, Pa., October 10, 1797. The manuscript journal of the Rev. William Colbert, now in the possession of his son, Mr. Charles Stroud Colbert, of Easton, Pa., records, that, owing to the prevalence of a very fatal fever in Philadelphia, the Conference was held at Duck Creek, now Smyrna, Delaware. The session began on Tuesday, October 10th, and ended on Sunday the 15th. Bishop Asbury presided. The following is the account of the Con- 10 Methodist Preaching in Lancaster ference session as copied by the present writer from the Journal of William Colbert: “Tuesday, 10th, our conference began. Several were received. Richard Swain preached an animat- ing discourse from 1 Chron. 16:29. “Wednesday, 11th. Bishop Asbury preached from Isaiah 1:24-28. Ezekiel Cooper and Richard Swain exhorted. All the preachers present passed their examination. “Thursday, 12th. og Hicaies O}a 2 m@D Fs o img from 1840-1892 na 9 8 thie eccat Purchase. iB oe P, Eberman’s Property. * Signed Henry Boehm, 34 From 1810 to 18438. From 1824 to 1828 Joseph Lybrand was Presid- ing Elder. The name of the District was changed in 1825 from the Schuylkill to the Philadelphia Dis- trict. At the close of the Conference year, 1827, Samuel Grace and George G. Cookman were able to report 1,043 white aud 29 colored members in Society, within the bounds of Lancaster circuit; an increase for the year of 93 white and 12 colored members. It would be interesting to know the geographical limits of the circuit and the number of preaching places it contained, but we have no record of these facts. Bristol was astrong and growing circuit on the east, Dauphin was strong, but seemingly at a stand still on the northwest. Chester was vigorous and progressive on the east and south, while Stras- burg on the southeast had lost a few members, prob- ably by the organization of the West Chester circuit. Meanwhile the society in Lancaster experienced considerable difficulty. Mr. Good records that “there were at that time people worshipping in a small frame church on Chestnut street near Duke, who were zealots for unbridled license in Church government. “They stigmatized all discipline as an unwarranted invasion of the personal liberty of the children of God. They had a fluent speaker for their pastor. When the Methodist preachers, in their rounds on the circuit, labored hard in Lancas- ter, and, under their preaching, sinners were awakened and converted, these penitents were sure From 1810 to 1848. 35 to fall into the hands of the ‘“ Liberty people” dur- ing the unavoidably protracted absence of the circuit preachers, and invariably these penitents became enemies to the Methodist cause.” On the 13th of January, 1828, Philip Benedict, Zebulon Ayres, Jacob Gwinn, John Gallery and Bonam Samson, a committee which had been ap- pointed to prepare a petition to the Bishop, laid a memorial, setting forth the above facts before the Society,and it was unanimously adopted. The remedy which was suggested in the memorial was the separa- tion of Lancaster from the circuit and the stationing of a young man, “who was zealous and willing to labor for the good of souls.” A subscription was opened, and the sum of $230.00 was pledged for the support of such a man. In due time the petition was presented to the Bishop, and he granted the prayer of the petitioners. Joseph McCool was sent to Lancaster, not “as the first stationed preacher at that place,” as Mr. Good wrote, for Thomas Ware was the first in 1811, a fact of which Mr. Good had no knowledge, but as the first stationed preacher in an unbroken line covering a period of sixty-five years and not likely to be broken while the church remains. The petitioners had rightly judged concerning their difficulties and the remedy, and the Bishop, carefully considering their statements and request, confirmed their judgment in the appointment which he announced. 36 From 1810 to 1848. Joseph McCool was admitted on trial in the Philadelphia Conference in 1827, and appointed as junior preacher on Dauphin Circuit as the colleague of Thomas Neale, so that he was still on trial when appointed preacher in charge in Lan- caster. At the end of the Conference year he re- ported seventy-two members as belonging to the society, was received into full membership in the Conference, ordained to the office of Deacon, and ap- pointed to Lancaster for a second year. He located in 1833, and united with the Presbyterian Church in the fellowship of which he died. The members of the Quarterly Conference in 1828, in addition to the preacher in charge, were Bonam Samson, Recording Steward; Philip Benedict and Zebulon Ayres, Stewards; Jacob Gwinn, Elijah Sloan and Joseph Watson, Leaders. Elijah Sloan died early in 1829, and the name of John M. Gallery was added to the list of Leaders. William Thatcher was Presiding Elder from 1828 to 1831, and Manning Force from 1831 to 1833. In the latter year the name of the District was changed to South Philadelphia. Lawrence McCombs was Presiding Elder from 1833 to 1834; James Potts, from 1834 to 1887; and Solomon Higgins, from 1837 to 1841. At the Conference of 1841 Lancaster becamea part of the Wilmington District, of which Henry White was Presiding Elder, but in 1842 it was restored to its old relation with the South Philadelphia District, where it remained until 1869. From 1810 to 1843. 37 James Smith, being Presiding Elder of the South Philadelphia District from 1841 to 1845, succeeded Henry White in his relations to Lancaster. The pastors from 1829 to 1840 were as follows: 1830, Thomas Miller; 1831, John Nicholson; from 1832 to 1834, John Lednum; from 1834 to 1836, Thomas Sovereign; from 1836 to 1838, James L. Houston; and from 1838 to 1840, James Neill. The Quarterly Conference Records indicate that the visits of the Presiding Elders were very regular, and the routine of that period in the church’s his- tory was faithfully observed. But few questions were asked, and what were asked were easily awswered with either yes, or no. In 1837, on the 16th day of February, at an ad- journed session of the Quarterly Conference presided over by Bartholomew Weed, at the written request of the Presiding Elder, the official brethren expressed their desire to have Lancaster remain a station, and appointed a committee to procure an estimate of the cost of a new house of worship. The committee con- sisted of B. Samson, R. W. Burrows and G. B. Ker- foot. Nothing was reported by the committee during the year, though it is very probable that efforts were made to secure funds for the erection of a new build- ing, for, early in the next year, during the first quar- ter of the pastorate of James Neill, a resolution was adopted requiring the treasurer “to deposit moneys 3 38 From 1810 to 1843. collected for the erection of the new church in the Lancaster Saving Institution.” A resolution was also adopted “that Brother Neill have a recommendation from this Quarterly Con- ference to the friends at a distance to request their aid to enable the Society in this place to build a meeting house in this city.” On the 13th of August, 1838, B. Samson, G. B. Kerfoot, R. W. Burrows, D. P. Brown, P. Benedict, Joseph Stallings, N. 8. Pinkerton, James Snow and George Dellet were appointed a committee “ to select and prichase a suitable lot for the erection of a new meeting house, by the 12th of September, 1838.” At the same time P. Benedict, B. Samson, G. B. Kerfoot, R. W. Burrows, David P. Brown and N. 8. Pinkerton were appointed to estimate the cost of a building and report at the next Quarterly Confer- ence, October 22. On the 14th of January, 1839, the Quarterly Con- ference recommended the selling of burying lots in the graveyard. At the meeting of the trustees held in the same month it was resolved to sell burial lots according to the plan recommended by the Quarterly Confer- ence, and for this purpose the entire plot of ground owned by the church on Walnut street was divided into forty large and forty small lots, with suitable avenues laid out fron north to south, and a six-feet- wide avenue on the south side from east to west and a similar avenue on the north side. After many re- From 1810 to 1843. 39 solves concerning the size of the lots and changing the plans in various particulars, on the 6th of July, 1840, the trustees resolved “ That the burying ground be called the Wesleyan Cemetery of the First M. E. Church of the City of Lancaster.” This cemetery was a great care and even trouble to the church, and as a source of revenue was far from being what its projectors expected. It was used for burial purposes until 1851, when the bodies were transferred to the Lancaster Cemetery. On the 19th of June, 1839, ten months after their appointment, the committee to select and purchase a lot reported “that they had bought a lot for the building of a meeting house.” On the 16th of August the committee on estimate presented a report to the effect that a new church “with basement story and a gallery” could be built: of good material “with plain, common, but goodi work,” the sash, bricks, ete., of the old church being: used, at a cost of $5640.00. The committee was dis-. charged from the further consideration of the sub-- ject. The records of the Quarterly Conference show a condition of affairs in the church which must have been exceedingly trying to the pastor, and the more: spiritually minded members of the Society. Appeals were heard by three of the four Quarterly Conferences. of the year 1839 to 1840. In one of the cases heard judgment was confirmed; in another the difficulty was settled by the appointment and decision of ref- 40 From 1810 to 1848. errees, at the suggestion of the pastor; and in the third, judgment was reversed upon the recommenda- tion of the pastor. To James Neill, pastor from 1838 to 1840, still liv- ing, though in feeble health, must be accorded the honor of preparing the way for the erection of the second church building owned by the Methodists in Lancaster. Had his advice and counsel been fol- lowed, the church would have been saved years of struggle, and his successors would have been spared much of the anxiety which they suffered. As it was before the close of his pastorate, proper business methods were introduced, and the necessary steps taken to secure the incorporation of the Society into a body politic. The “ Act of Incorporation” was passed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania and appoved by His Excellency, David R. Porter, the Governor, on the 18th day of March, A. D. 1840. At the Conference of 1840 Dallas D. Lore was ap- pointed to the charge of Lancaster. He found a division of sentiment among the people regarding the location of the new church. A lot had been purchased under authority from the Quarterly Con- ference, but conveyance had not been made, being delayed, probably until the Society should be incor- porated. Meanwhile another lot was purchased, but by what authority does not appear in the records. The first mentioned lot was situated on East King street above Lime, and was purchased at sheriff’s > From 1810 to 1848. 41 sale for $1,045.00, subject to a ground rent. This was also purchased for the sum of $300.00. The second lot was situated on Duke street, adjoining the ten feet on that street already owned by the Society. This was purchased “ for $800.00, for which a judg- ment was given as there were no funds.” About $800.00 were paid on account of the East King street lot. The reeord says “the church was pressed in holding two lots and owing $1,300.00 on them.” The actual conveyance of the Duke street lot was made on the 11th of June, 1840, by Peter Mulhollend and Mary, his wife. The lot contained in front on Duke street “sixty-four feet four inches and one-half an inch, and in depth one hundred and twelve feet six inches.” The church already owned the property in the rear of this lot for a distance of one hundred and thirty- two feet, so that with the ten feet front on Duke street the church became possessor of a lot seventy- four feet four inches and a-half by two hundred and forty-five feet, the rear part being forty-five feet wider than the front.* On the 6th of July, 1840, the trustees resolved “that though our prospects be gloomy as to the erection of a new church, yet, in the name of the Lord, we now decide upon opening ground by dig- ging for the basement.” The trustees at that time were Philip Benedict, *See Diagram, p. 33. 42 From 1810 to 1848. Bonam Samson, George B. Kerfoot, Robert W. Bur- rows, David Paul Brown, Nathaniel 8. Pinkerton, Levi J. Rhoads, James B. Moore and Charles Hart- ley. On July 15th, 1840, the male members met “to take into consideration the expediency of erecting a new church and the proper location for the same.” A resolution to build on the Duke street lot was negatived by a vote of 5 to 7. A resolution to build on East King street was adopted unanimously. On October Ist, 1840, a special meeting of the male members was held, at which the previous reso- lution to build on East King street was reconsidered. It was then moved to sell the East King street lot. The vote resulted in a tie, upon which the record says: “The females voted in favor of selling the lot in East King street, and decided it in the affirma- tive.’ *From this transaction it may be inferred that there was no lack of gallantry on the part of our Methodist fathers. How the females were al- lowed to be present, or why they were permitted to decide a question of such importance in view of the provisions of the charter of the church, the records do not say. That they voted right, no one familiar with the history of Lancaster will deny. All honor to them for the share they took in the decision of a matter upon which: so much depended. * Sketch by John B, Good, Esq. From 1810 to 1848. 43 “The lot on East King street was sold at a slight loss.” * The work of “ digging for the basement” went on, as did the building of the wall of “an house for the Lord.” The latter, however, progressed but slowly, owing to the difficulty of obtaining funds. In fact, the trustees were embarrassed for lack of means to carry forward the enterprise, and issued an appeal to the Methodist Episcopal Churches of Philadelphia. A copy of this appeal has recently beon discovered, and is as follows: To the Trustees of the Several Methodist Episcopal Churches in the City of Philadelphia : Breturen: The Board of Trustees of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church in the City of Lancaster would most respectfully represent their extreme need of a more spacious and secure church in a more eligible situation. The present house is entirely too small to accommodate the many that would attend, and too far out to attract the attention of hundreds, who if they heard our doctrines would become attached, and as members would elevate Methodism to the rank it holds in your more favored city. You nobly assist others, far more distant, and we think it would be doing you injustice to suppose you would not feel deeply and favorably interested for poor benighted Lancaster. We, therefore, pray that our mach esteemed * Sketch by John B. Good, Esq. 44 From 1810 to 1848. Brother, D. D. Lore, may be permitted, on one prominent occasion to occupy your pulpit to take up a collection, and receive such donations as may be presented. Ever praying for your prosperity, we remain yours in Christ. Tue Boarp. Through Gro. B. Krerroor, President. Lancaster, Pa., January 29th, 1841. What effect this appeal had upon the churches in Philadelphia, or with what succcess the pastor met in his efforts to secure funds for the church in Lan- caster, it is impossible to say. If any record was made of these matters it cannot be found. The first election for trustees, held in accordance with the requirements of the charter, was held on the first Monday in March, 1841, and resulted in im- portant changes in the Board of Trustees. Philip Benedict, John Beam and George B. Kerfoot were elected to serve for three years; Jacob Hinton, John Deal and Israel A. Kurtz for two years, and Jacob Hess, David P. Brown and Levi J. Rhoads for one year. Four of these were new men elected for the first time to serve as trustees. John Beam had served before, having been chosen by the Quarterly Con- ference, but came again into office at the call of his constituents. A change of five trustees in the midst of a difficult enterprise would at any time be attended with some risk, but no serious results followed this popular church election. From 1810 to 1843. 45 June 19, 1841, is the date at which the Quarterly Conference held its last session in the old church on Walnut street. It was the first Quarterly Conference for the year, but only three members besides the pastor, D. D. Lore, and the Presiding Elder, Henry White, were present. Two of them were Stewards, David P. Brown and Levi J. Rhoads, and the other wasa class leader, Israel A. Kurtz. Theusual questions were asked and answered, but no special interest was aroused by either questions or answers. The second Quarterly Conference for this year was held September 20, 1841, at the residence of Sister White. The record does not say why it was held there, and the memory of those who remain with us as living links connecting the present with the past cannot be confidently relied upon. The probabilities are that the work of demolishing the old church was begun about this time, and preacher and people were compelled to itinerate. The third Quarterly Conference was held, December 13, 1841, at Brother Benedict’s. The record has the following entry: ‘On motion of Brother White a committee was appointed to procure the Presbyterian session room to hold worship in.” The only Brother White who was present in the Quarterly Conference was the Presiding Elder, Henry White, and it is not probable that he made the motion attributed to him, though he doubtless suggested the appointment of a committee. David P. Brown and George B. Ker- foot were named as the committee. 46 From 1810 to 1843. The last Quarterly Conference for the year was held February 7th, 1842, at the house of Brother Deal. “The committee, D. P. Brown and G. B. Kerfoot appointed to ask for the Presbyterian session [room] for preaching, report that it could not be obtained.” This is the simple record made by the pastor, D. D. Lore, who acted as secretary. The reader mast not suppose that in the interval of these quarterly conferences the society was without a shelter, or aplace in which to assemble. The class meetings were held regularly. The home of Philip Benedict was one of the places of meeting, and the home of Bonam Samson was another. Mrs. Maria Louisa White, who united with the society in 1839, during the pastorate of James Neill, was the wife of Samuel White, book-binder and inn- keeper, who, through her influence after her conver- sion, was induced to abandon the business of inn- keeping. Her home was on the south side of Orange street, at the corner of Jefferson. It was a large stone house which had stood for nearly, if not quite, a hundred years before its occupancy by the parents of Mrs. White, in 1809. It had been built ard ar- ranged for the purposes of an inn, and had on the second floor a very large room that could be used as a bedroom, or banquet room, as necessity or oceasion might require. There is a tradition in the family of Mrs. White that General George Washington occupied this room during one of his visits to Lancaster. It is a well authenticated From 1810 to 1843. 47 fact that in this room dinners were served on the 8th of January, year after year, for many years to those patriotic citizens who assembled to commemorate the Battle of New Orleans and do honor to Andrew Jackson, the hero of that “well fought day.” This room of historic interest and association was offered by Mrs. White as a place for the prayer meetings and the regular Sunday services of the Methodist people. Her offer was accepted, and for months, until the new church was sufficiently com- pleted to allow service to be held in it, the society had its home in her “upper room,” and she acted as sexton, besides going about from place to place with Mrs. Benedict soliciting funds to aid in paying for the new building. The new church was ready for the roof in October, 1841, but further progress was very slow, and no part of the building was ready for oceupancy before the latter part of the summer of 1842. Meanwhile the pastoral term of Dallas D. Lore expired and Samuel H. Higgins was appointed to succeed him in 1842. He did not enter upon his work with high hope, for the circumstances of the church were not calculated to inspire. The old church had been demolished contrary to the counsel and advice of the pastor; that pastor had labored earnestly by night and by day to carry forward the enterprise in which the church was engaged. He had gone from place soliciting aid, and had met with so many discouragements that the expiration of his 48 From 1810 to 1843. term was a happy release from burdensome responsi- bility. Samuel H. Higgins was a man of excellent ability, and the trustees regarded his appointment to Lan- caster “as a powerful auxiliary in advancing the interests of the church in this place,” and promised to “make every effort to sustain him during his ministry in this city.” It is almost needless to say he devoted himself with energy and zeal to the work before him. The first Quarterly Conference for 1842 was held June 2d, at the home of Sister White. On August 29th, 1842, the second Quarterly Con- ference was held “in the preacher’s room ;” that is probably where the preacher boarded or had his study. At a meeting of the trustees held August 21st, 1842, Brother Higgins was “requested to purchase at Philadelphia one-half dozen baskets to lift the collection with.” At the same meeting the trustees having previously decided to rent the pews in the new church, “the second pew on the right hand of the pulpit was presented to Father Benedict as a token of respect.” “The remaining seven pews on the right and left side of the pulpit, together with the four front pews, were reserved as free of rent.” “The Sabbath School was granted the privilege of constructing the seats in the basement story to suit their own convenience, they paying all expenses for the same, and having the right to sell the old benches of the church.” From 1810 to 1848. 49 On August 26th report was made that “ thirty- one persons could be accomodated by the society be- ing in'attendance on the day of dedication.” ‘The officers of the Board were appointed a committee to ascertain the cost of the church.” This was on Friday. The trustees resolved to meet the next morning at 8 o’clock. There is no record of their meeting at that time. It isa matter of great regret that no record of the time or circumstances of the completion and dedica- tion of the new church has been preserved. Careful inquiry and research, together with comparisons of the recollections of many people, led John B. Good to write: “ The dedication finally took place on or about the first day of September, 1842. The ceremonies were ofan imposing character. Rev. Doctor Durbin, assisted by a number of other ministers, officiated.” * Tt is not probable that the new church was dedi- cated on one of the secular days of the week, for such an arrangement would have prevented the attend- ance of many people, and, as September 4th, 1842, was on Sunday, the present writer is inclined to ac- cept that as the date of the dedication. Meetings of the trustees were held on September 5th and 9th, but no reference is made in the minutes of those meetings to the dedicatory services. The time was occupied in considering the financial situa- tion and rescinding resolutions relating to free pews, *Sketch by J. B. Good, Esq. 50 From 1810 to 1848. and the adoption of other resolutions which limited the free pews to those in the gallery of the church. On the 15th of September a committee was ap- pointed “to have the basement floor laid with boards as soon as possible.” On the 7th of October it was “resolved to have the two class rooms, on the base- ment floor, floored with boards similar to the lecture room.” On the 16th of November “a bill was presented from the secretary of Trinity Church, Philadelphia, for settees amounting to $109. On motion the bill was accepted and entered on the minutes.” In December, 1842, it was “resolved that $4000.00 of the church debt be disposed of in the form of stock, at $10.00 per share, to command an interest of 6 percent. perannum.” This attempt to fund the debt was not successful. The remainder of the Conference year passed with- out anything of special interest occuring, and, at the session of the annual conference in 1843, Samuel H. Higgins was relieved of the charge of the First M. E. Church of Lancaster, and appointed to Trinity Church, Philadelphia. PART IV. From 1848 To THE CLOSE OF 1862. Pastor in 1848 and 1844; the indebtedness ascertained ; Pre- siding Elders from 1845 to 1869; pastors in 1845; Newton Hes- ton’s efforts to secure aid for the church; pastors in 1846; Andrew Manships’s efforts to secure aid; an incident ; James Black, treasurer ; trying times ; pastor in 1847 and 1848 ; claim of Trinity M. E. Church, Philadelphia ; efforts to relieve the financial embarrassment ; lot purchased on German street ; building erected for the Sunday School in the southern part of the city ; pastor in 1849 and 1850 ; the German street building dedicated ; movement to have preaching and other services in the German street building ; quartly conference action ; a new society organized ; two preachers sent to Lancaster in 1851 ; statistics at the close of the year; mode of electing trustees ; a new charter obtained ; more ground needed for the cemetery ; time to pay off debt believed to be at hand; effort made in 1853; improvements to the property; sale of old cemetery grounds in 1854; parsonage lot reserved ; large missionary of- fering ; conference held in Lancaster in 1855; pastor in 1855 and 1856; parsonage completed ; debt reduced ; pastor in 1857 and 1858 ; mite society organized ; debt increased ; a fair held by the ladies ; membership reduced ; a gracious revival ; pastor in 1859 and 1860 ; debt reduced ; a large missionary collection ; finances still demand a large share of thought; attempt to re- establish the pew system ; another fair held ; pastor in 1861 and 1862 ; finances improved ; two good years; collection for the Sunday Schools authorized. A 'T the Conference of 1843 Robert Gerry was ap- pointed to Lancaster. While he had a proper building in which to hold services, and was in that (51 ) 52 From 1848 to the close of 1862. respect better cireumstanced than his predecessor, the conditions by which he was confronted were by no means cheering. According to a report made by a special commit- tee to the Board of Trustees on June 7th, 1848, a committee appointed before the dedication of the church, the cost of the new building was shown to be $10,068.66. Of this amount only $2,815.26 had been paid, thus leaving an indebtedness of $7,248.40. Of this indebtedness only $1,000 was funded and that was ina mortgage given to Philip Benedict. But few of the members were willing to take the risks involved, and the financial situation became exceedingly embarrassing, affecting all the interests of the church, so that the name of the charge was changed to Lancaster Mission in 1844. Robert Gerry was reappointed for the second year. In the spring of 1845 Levi Scott was appointed Presiding Elder, and continued in that office until the spring of 1848, when he was appointed one of the agents of the Book Concern in New York. In 1852 he was elected to the office of Bishop. During his Presiding Eldership he manifested special con- cern for the church in Lancaster, and in meeting with the trustees and the members of the Quarterly Conference gave advice and counsel in regard to the temporal interests of the society. The Presiding Elders succeeding him to 1869 were as follows: I. T. Cooper, from 1848 to 1851; T. J. Thompson, from 1851 to 1855; William Cooper from From 1843 to the close of 1862. 53 1855 to 1859; Francis Hodgson, from 1859 to 1868 ; Joseph Castle, from 1868 to 1867, and W. L. Gray, from 1867 to 1869. In the sping of 1869 the districts of the Conference were rearranged and Lancaster became a part of Harrisburg District. In 1845 William A. Wiggins and Newton Heston were appointed to Lancaster. On the 31st of March in that year the trustees had resolved to represent the condition of the church to the Bishop presiding at Conference, and suggest “ in view of the smallness of numbers, the poverty and pecuniary embarrassment, that immediate action on the part of the Conference be taken for relief.” It was in harmony with this desire for relief, doubtless, that Newton Heston was appointed, and yet, despite his efforts and those of the preacher-in- charge, the church was threatened with sale by the sheriff. On the 12th of February, 1846, “ Brother Wiggins was authorized to visit Columbia,” where the urgent creditor lived, “and have the sale of the church prevented.” On the 28th of February, 1846, Newton Heston gave the trustees a full account of his work for the year. For neatness of penmanship, fulness, careful- ness of detail, whether of receipts or expenditures, his report was a model, and the trustees did well to place it where it might be preserved to the present day. The report shows that the necessities of the church in Lancaster were presented to the Methodist people of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, 4 54 From 1843 to the close of 1862. Easton, Pa., Allentown, Manayunk, Germantown, Deal’s Island Camp Meeting and at other places. The total receipts for the year’s arduous labor were only $536.95. Out of this amount $95.45 were paid for expenses and $100.00 for salary, leaving a net amount of $341.50 to be applied on account of the church debt. The church, by adopting the pew system, had placed itself in a position not favored by the Metho- dists of that day. Newton Heston, in assigning reasons for comparative failure, wrote : 1. “The debt is so large and heavy as almost to pre- clude the possibility of rescuing the property. 2. It is a pewed house, and this with the great body of Methodists is enough to condemn it without a hearing. 3. The fact that nothing has been done in Phila- delphia, leading to the supposition that it is deemed of little importance at home. 4, Owing to the fact that there is wealth enough in the church to save it. 5. Because of the difficulties thrown in any way, principally by my brethren in the ministry of another Conference.””* At the Conference of 1846 William A. Wiggins was reappointed to Lancaster, and Andrew Manship succeeded Newton Heston as assistant or junior *The report shows that this was New York, and the diffi- culties mentioned were based upon the fact that the ‘‘ church was pewed.”’ From 1843 to the close of 1862. 55 preacher, to render similar service. Individuals were importuned, appeals were made to churches and camp meetings were visited in the interest of the church at Lancaster. The results were not more en- couraging than those of the preceding year. Sheriff’s writs were in the visions and dreams of the trustees by night and by day. Within the past year Andrew Manship minted to the present writer the following incident : “ Ata camp-meeting held near Coventryville, Penn- sylvania, I preached and presented my appeal in be- half of the church at Lancaster, stating, among other things, that our people feared the Romanists would get the property. An intense religious feeling per- vaded the congregation at the close of the preaching,. which, strange to relate, was not cooled by an appeal: for money. An elderly sister enthusiastically re-- sponded, ‘I’ve got ten cents. Glory to God. The Catholics shall not have the church.’ She handed me the dime, and her manner of doing so provoked smiles from many of the people. Ten cents, thought I, to save the church! But it was, like ‘ the widow’s mite,’ all she had, and I accepted it gratefully. A gentleman seated near her was much amused by her innocent expression, but, taking five dollars from his pocket, asked that it might be placed with the gift of the simple-hearted sister. Others followed his example, and the result was a good collection.” On the 17th of June, 1846, Philip Benedict re- signed his office as trustee, and James Black was. 56 From 1843 to the close of 1862. elected to fill the vacancy thus created. On the 26th of November, in the same year, he was elected treas- urer of the Board of Trustees, a position which he held until the spring of 1850.* This was one of the trying periods of the church’s history. Preachers and people were greatly perplexed. The financial burdens were almost intolerable. The records show that James Black adhered most strictly to pure busi- ness methods, was systematic in his plans and thor- ough in all that he did, and to him is largely due the fact that chaos disappeared before order, con- fusion gave place to quietness and harmony, and the church was saved to Methodism. James Black united with the church in Lancaster in 1848, having joined by certificate from Lewis- burg, Union county, Pa., during the pastorate of Robert Gerry. As the pastoral term of William A. Wiggins.was about to expire he placed in the care of the trustees papers which had come into his possession and re- lated to claims against the property; and on April 13, 1847, on motion of James Black,a committee was appointed to take charge of the papers and as- certain the amount of the claims against the church, deduct the abatements and report as soon as possible. James Black, N.S. Pinkerton and Joseph Samson were appointed the committee. *He served a number of terms after this, but the times were not so perilous. From 1843 to the close of 1862. 57 Ten days after their appointment they presented a full report to the Board of Trustees, assembled in special meeting, the Presiding Elder, Levi Scott, be- ing present and opening the meeting with prayer. The total indebtedness of the church was found to be $7,838.51. In the spring of 1847 William Urie was appointed to Lancaster. The claim of the Trinity Church, Philadelphia, for settees, as elsewhere mentioned, had increased to $135.79, but the trustees of Trinity relinquished their claim out of sympathy with their brethren and from a desire to afford them some relief. This act of kindness was fully appreciated and duly acknowledged. By the 1st of March, 1848, the treasurer reported the liquidation of claims to the amount of $3,059.22. William Urie was reappointed to Lancaster in the spring of 1848. During the year special efforts were made to raise funds for the relief of the church. These efforts culminated in a public collection on the 19th day of November. The amount received on that day is not noted in the minutes, but a committee was appointed to attend to the distribution of the funds in hand. James Black was chairman of the committee. On the 29th of November “James Black presented to the Board of Trustees a bond with good security, in the sum of five hundred dollars, conditioned for his good and faithful discharge of the duties pertain- 58 From 1843 to the close of 1862. ing to his office. This not being required from Brother Black, its reception was at first objected to by several members of the Board of Trustees; but, after hearing the reasons from the treasurer, the principal one of which was to keep the mouths of evil-disposed persons silenced, as a considerable amount of money passed through his hands, the Board received his bond.” At a special meeting of the trustees held February 16, 1849, at the request of the pastor, William Urie, the difficulties under which the school held in the southern section of the city labored were presented and carefully considered. The pastor stated that he had “ received subscriptions to the amount of $422.00 to be applied to the erection of a house for Sabbath School and other religious purposes. Healso had the offer of a piece of ground from Brother John Beam, fronting on German street, for the sum of $240.00.” A committee was immediately appointed to ex- amine the lot, and, if they “deem proper, purchase the same, receive the deed and take such other steps as they may think right and proper.” On the 19th of February, 1849, the committee re- ported having purchased the lot. The trustees ap- pointed a building committee “to build, or have built by contract or otherwise, a brick house 284 feet by 46 feet on the lot recently purchased from Brother Beam,” and authorized them to draw on the treasurer, “provided they do not draw any money not collected for this specific purpose.” From 1848 to the close of 1862. 59 The lot purchased was on German street, above Queen street. It was 30 feet front by 64 feet deep. This lot, with the house erected thereon, was held by the First M. E. Church until the 17th of March, 1855, when it was conveyed to certain persons repre- senting the Second M. EH. Church, but the deed proved to be defective and unsatisfactory to the parties to whom the Second Church was about to sell the property some months later, and a new deed was executed by the trustees of the First M. E. Church in accordance with action taken on the 14th of May, 1855. At the end of the year, March, 1849, the treasurer reported a reduction of the debt by the payment of $479.26. The indebtedness was represented as amounting to $4,096.00, exclusive of interest. In- terest during the year had been paid out of money received for pew rents, and the hope was expressed that this source of revenue would still be sufficient to prevent the accumulation of interest. At the close of the Conference session of 1849 James A. Massey was appointed to Lancaster. For some reason not recorded, a change was made shortly after Conference, and James McCarter, junior preacher on Millington circuit, Delaware, was sent as preacher-in-charge to Lancaster. He served the church acceptably uutil the spring of 1851. The building on German street being completed, was dedicated on Saturday afternoon, August 25, 1849; Doctor Jesse T. Peck, President of Dickinson 60 From 1848 to the close of 1862. College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, preaching on the oc- casion. Doctor Peck either drove from Carlisle to Lancaster or rode on horseback, for the minutes show that the trustees paid “John Michael $4.12} for keeping and shoeing Doctor Peck’s horse.” On September 7, 1849, the Second Quarterly Con- ference for the year requested the Presiding Elder to procure the transfer of W. W. McMichael from Bristol to the First M. E. Church, Lancaster, for the balance of the conference year. Twelve days thereafter the trustees authorized and empowered James McCarter and W. W. McMichael “to collect monies and take subscriptions, the amount to be applied for the purchase of a house to be used as a parsonage of the First M. E. Church of the city of Lancaster.” At the Quarterly Conference held December 20th, 1850, “on motion of James Black, it was resolved that a committee of seven be appointed to inquire into the expediency of establishing Gospel services in the southern part of the city by the M. E. Church, and report their views at the next Quarterly Confer- ence.” . The committee consisted of Benjamin F. Shenk, James Black, James Geidner, Lewis Paulick, Wil- liam Murray, John Beam and Henry Stoek. At the Quarterly Conference held March 8th, 1851, the committee reported by James Black, their chair- man, that regular services should be held in the southern part of the city; that there should be a From 1843 to the close of 1862. 61 separate pastor and separate organization, and that the trustees of the First M. E. Church should convey the chapel to other trustees to be held in trust for the M. E. Church.* The Bishop presiding at the session of the annual conference in 1851, Bishop Waugh, and the Presid- ing Elders must have thought the time fully arrived for a second church in Lancaster, for the conference minutes show that Pennell Coombe was appointed to Laneaster’s first church, and Jacob Dickerson to Lancaster’s second church. At the end of the year the second church reported 48 members and 17 pro- bationers, together with 213 Sunday-school scholars cared for by 22 officers and teachers. % * * * * * * The mode of electing trustees by the vote of the male members of the church had given rise to several contests within a few years, engendering a vast amount of unpleasant feeling. To remedy this state of things a new charter was procured from the Legis- lature on the 23rd of February, 1852. This charter provided for elections by the trustees on the nomina- tion of the pastor. While no serious trouble has been caused during the forty years of the observance of this method, there have been and still are many members of the church who regard it as very un- *This chapel was occupied by what was then called the Second Wesleyan M. E. Sunday-school, the forerunner of St. Paul’s M. E. Sunday-school. See sketch of Sunday-school in this book, 62 From 1848 to the close of 1862. American, and they would like to see a plan adopted which would give them a more potent voice in the selection of their officers and the general manage- ment of the business of the church. Pennell Coombe was reappointed pastor of the First M. E. Church, Lancaster, in 1852. During that year the use of oil ‘lamps for illuminating the church was abandoned and gas introduced at an expense of $228. An effort was made to generally improve the church property, but, notwithstanding the recognized necessity for paint, the fact that the treasurer had been compelled to borrow funds to meet the demands upon him pre- venting even painting. On March 11th, 1853, the indebtedness reported, exclusive of claims for inter- est, was $4,292.15. During the year there was a net gain of thirty members. At the meeting of the trustees held March 11, 1853, James Black called attention to the necessity of pro- curing additional grounds for the purpose of a ceme- tery, and also expressed the belief that the time had come to make a special effort to extinguish the debt upon the church. The general prosperity of the com- munity and the increase of spirituality in the church were the reasons at the base of his judgment. The record represents him as saying: “ We have already very nearly paid the amount of principal in interest, The Good Being has shown that He is over us for good in an especial manner, and there is resting upon us an obligation that this Zion shall no longer re- main under reproach. What shall be done? Metho- dists can if they only dare.” From 1848 to the close of 1862. 63 These earnest words were spoken near the close of the Conference year, and their effect was beneficial to the church. At the close of the session of the Conference of 1853 William Bishop was appointed to the First Church, Lancaster, and continued in the relation of pastor until the spring of 1855. He entered upon his work with earnestness and zeal, comprehending the needs of the society at - the very beginning of his pastorate. Before the end of May vigorous measures were adopted to reduce the indebtedness and improve the church property. The trustees formed themselves into committees of two, the pastor and two laymen were constituted a special committee, and ten of the sisters of the church were selected to act in a like capacity, and all were to solicit and procure subscriptions in aid of the work to be done. By the 27th of June, 18538, reports were received indicating that three thousand five hundred dollars were pledged, and upon being informed of this state of financial affairs the male members gave full au- thority to the trustees to proceed with the alterations and improvements according to their best judgment. The trustees appointed Benjamin F. Shenk, James Black and Adam Wolf a committee to supervise the work. When the work was done the committee paid a high compliment to Doctor John Waylan for the fidelity, taste and public spirit which he had shown in the execution of his contract with the trustees. = 64 From 1843 to the close of 1862. This Doctor Waylan was a surgeon dentist of Lancaster who felt a deep interest in the welfare of the church, and, proposing to have the work of altera- tion and improvement done at a price deemed satis- factory by the trustees, the contract was awarded to him. The proceeding was an unusual one, but fully justified by the careful manner in which the work was done. The remodelled building was opened for religions services on Sunday, November 27, 1853. The pastor and ministers assisting him in the services were form- ally requested to assist the trustees in securing $1,200 on that occasion. A report presented some months later shows that the amount obtained was $829.00. On Friday evening preceding the reopening, the question of renting pews was considered by the trustees, and it was resolved “that in the opinion of the Board of Trustees it is inexpedient to continue the renting of pews after the reopening on Sunday next, or granting any preference in seating.” John Amer, James Black and Henry Stoek were the men who guided and influenced this action of the trustees. On the 5th of May, 1854, the male members auth- orized the trustees to accept an offer made by John Metzger for the purchase of the property on Walnut street, ‘excepting 22 feet 6 inches in width on said street whereon to erect a parsonage house,” for the sum of $2,200.00, payable in material to be used in the erection of a parsonage, etc. Soon thereafter the trustees entered into a contract with Messrs. Swartz- From 1843 to the close of 1862. 65 welder and Morrow for the erection of a parsonage for the sum of $2,550.00, and appointed James Black, Benjamin F. Shenk and Adam Wolf to superintend the work. During the first year of the pastorate of William Bishop the church failed to make an offering for the cause of missions. Home interests had pressed heavily upon the means of the people, and effort was concentrated on their care, but in the second year the collection for missions amounted to $223.87, a sum never reached before in any two years of the church’s history, and not exceeded in any one year until the first year of the pastorate of William H. Elliott, when the collection amounted to $350.00. In the spring of 1855 the session of the Philadel- phia Conference was held in Lancaster, beginning on the 25th of March. Bishop Beverly Waugh pre- sided, assisted by Bishops Levi Scott and Edmund 8. Janes. Pennell Coombe was the secretary, and Adam Wallace and G. W. Lybrand were appointed assistant secretaries. The membership in Lancaster at this time was 295, with 106 probationers, the First Church having 200 members and 36 probation- ers, and the Second Church 95 members and 70 pro- bationers. The session was full of interest to the Methodists in the vicinity, and the exercises, sermons and ad- dress made a very favorable impression on the entire community.* * Foran appreciative sketch of this Conference, see Appendix. 66 From 1843 to the close of 1862. At the close of this Conference David W. Bartine was appointed to the First Church, Lancaster. He was reappointed in 1856. The new parsonage was so far completed as to be tenantable before the close of April, 1855, but the gas fixtures were not in place until some months later. The cost of the building and the improve- ments which were made to the lot, including the planting of a number of fruit trees, was $2,906.363, of which sum $2,250 were paid to the contractors before the close of December, 1855. The labors of the pastor were crowned with a good degree of success. At the close of his first year he reported 225 member and 120 probationers, and a missionary offering of $144.18. At the end of the secoud year he reported 295 members, 11 proba- tioners and a missionary collection of $140.25. The value of church property was $17,000, on which the indebtedness, as reported by the trustees in Decem- ber, 1856, was $3,669.47. Francis Hodgson served as pastor in 1857 and 1858. In 1857 a Mite Society was organized in the church for the express purpose of raising funds to pay the annual interest on the debt. This Society did most excellent work for many years, securing an average contribution of 3114.98 for seven years, but never quite obtaining an amount equal to the interest, for the average deficit for the seven years was $69.17. The annual exhibit made by the trustees in 1858 From 1848 to the close of 1862. 67 showed an indebtedness of $3,930.62, an increase of nearly $300.00 in two years. In the month of De- cember, 1858, a fair was held by the ladies of the church, which netted the sum of $930.54, which was presented by Eliza Kerfoot and Harriet Gaelbaugh, on behalf of the ladies to the Board of Trustees, who were exceedingly glad to receive the same and apply it in accordance with the recommendation of the ladies. For reasons, of which there is no record, the mem- bership was reduced to 262 at the close of 1858, but a gracious revival spirit resulted in the conversion of a number of persons, so that 51 probationers were reported at the Conference of 1859, and the missionary collection amounted to $145.41. William H. Elliott was pastor of the First Church in 1859 and 1860. In his first year the missionary collection was the largest in the history of the church up to that time, amounting to $3850.00, and not equalled until the year 1865. At the close of the year 1859 the indebtedness re- ported was $3,099.47. There were subscriptions out- standing, some of them from 1853, amounting to $569.00. The finances of the church still occupied a good share of the thoughts of the trustees. The leaders and stewards sympathized with them. Sunday, June 10, 1860, the subject of the relief of the financial em- barrassment was brought to the attention of the mem- 68 From 1843 to the close of 1862. bers in congregation assembled. The plan of assess- ments, or a return to the system of renting pews, seemed to be the only way of deliverance, but the people were not prepared for either, so an adjourn- ment took place. A meeting was held during the week following, at which it was determined that each leader should ascertain from the members under his care the amount each member was willing to con- tribute towards the expenses of the church. An effort was made to put this plan on trial for six months, and in the event of its failure return to the system of pew rents, but the effort did not succeed. Another fair was held towards the close of 1860, which netted $400.47. This was presented to the trustees by the ladies, and courteous recognition of their “ kindness and generosity”? was made and re- corded. The missionary offering this year was reported at 560.00. James E. Meredith succeeded William H. Elliott in 1861, remaiuing in charge as pastor until the spring of 1863. When the annual report of the trustees was pre- pared in December, 1862, the indebtedness was found to be $2,645.45. There was a small balance in the treasury of the Mite Society and in the treasury of what was known as the Penny Fund, a fund made up of the collections taken at the public services. The regular treasury of the current fund of the church was slightly overdrawn. Fifty-eight probationers were reported by James From 1848 to the close of 1862. 69 E. Meredith at the end of his first year, and thirty- six at the end of his second. The missionary collec- lection amounted to $146.50 in 1861 and $166.93 in 1862. Near the close of the Conference year 1861 the trustees granted permission for a collection to be taken for the benefit of the Hast and the West Sun- day-school, the pastor and superintendents to deter- mine the time when it should be taken. PARI ¥; From 1863 To 1883, G. D. Carrow appointed pastor in 1863 ; again in 1864; im- proved circumstances ; earnest efforts made to annihilate the debt ; public subscription ; thanks to G. D. Carrow and lady ; trustees effect temporary loan and pay claims against the church pending collection of subscriptions ; the church re- garded as free from debt for the first time in twenty-five years; C. I. Thompson pastor from 1865 to 1868; sympathy with plans of G. D. Carrow; follows them; the church actually free from debt in 1865 ; good reports ; missionary offerings largest in history of church to that time ; centennial of Methodism ob- served ; scholarship in Dickinson College purchased ; Young Men’s Christian Brotherhood organized ; property on Char_ lotte street purchased ; visit of Father Boehm ; Henry F. Hurn appointed pastor ; died in July, 1868 ; Edward J. Gray secured as a supply ; pipe organ placed in the church ; rearrangement of districts ; pastor in 1869 and 1870; lot on East King street purchased ; attempt to buy lot southwest corner of Duke and Walnut street ; Joseph E. Smith’s pastorate ; need of a new church ; plans considered ; lot bought ; project abandoned ; corner stone of East King Street M. E. Church laid; change in Conference Boundaries ; rearrangement of districts ; Presid- ing Elders from 1873 to 1881; live in Lancaster ; pastor from 1874 to 1877; church remodelled ; services in the Court House ; property mortgaged ; lot sold at a loss; effort to have services at the mission ; condition of the church ; pastor in 1877-1878; assistant pastor; Sunday-school received special attention ; pastor unexpectedly removed ; pastor in 1879-1880 ; reeommen- dations to Annual Conference; H. G. Appenzeller; name of district changed ; Presiding Elders from 1881 to 1890; pastors (70) From 1868 to 1888. 71 in 1881 and 1882; class meetings not well attended ; revival in- terest ; movement to change charter; session of the Annual Conference held in Lancaster 1883, ie 1863, and again in 1864, Goldsmith D. Carrow was appointed to the First Church, Lancaster. Taking advantage of the improved circumstances of many of the people and the changes which had been introduced in the financial methods of the church within the previous few years, the pastor and trustees gave earnest effort to accomplish the annihilation of the debt, and before the close of the year 1865 they were enabled to rejoice over the “ consummation so devoutly wished.” On the 8rd of February, 1865, a public effort was made as supplemental to solicitations made privately by various persons, but principally, as the records intimate, by the pastor and his wife. As one result ‘of this effort the trustees gave notice on the 4th of February that they were prepared to pay all claims. against the church. They passed a hearty resolu- tion of thanks to “ G. D. Carrow and his lady for- their zealous and efficient services in providing sub-- scriptions to the payment of the remaining debt upon: the church.” Many of the subscriptions made were not paid in: full until late in the following year; but, having con- fidence in the value of the subscriptions ; the trustees. borrowed money to meet the old obligations; andi under date of December 28, 1865, the President of the- 72 From 1863 to 1888. Board of Trustees, Adam Wolf, reported to the male members as follows : “For the first time in twenty-five years the treas- urer reports no debt. Our church property is free from human obligation. To God, the Giver of all good, thanks and all glory is due. May personal devotion and a hand and heart ever ready to help in the extension of his kingdom on earth manifest our gratitude.” The trustees who managed the temporal affairs of the church during the years from 1863 to 1866 were James Black, Benjamin F. Shenk, Christian L. Stoner, Joseph Samson, Adam Wolf, John Kuhns, William Hensel, James Potts and William Compton, M. D. When the Conference of 1865 closed Charles I. Thompson was appointed to the First Church, Lan- caster. He was a brother-in-law to Goldsmith D. ‘Carrow, and from that fact more in sympathy with the plans of the latter than a stranger could have been, and for carrying forward those plans he is en- titled to a share of the credit of freeing the church from the burden of debt which had rested upon it ‘during all the years since 1840. Charles I. Thomp- son was the first pastor who served the charge for three successive years. At the end of his first year he reported 265 members and 95 probationers, and at the end of his term 315 members and 31 proba- tioners. The missionary collection in his first year amounted to $450; in his second year to $420.50, From 1863 to 1888. 73 and in his third year to $420.00, the smallest of these sums being seventy per cent. in advance of the largest; missionary offering theretofore made by the church. During the pastorate of Charles I. Thompson, in 1866, the Centennial of American Methodism was appropriately observed. Bishop Matthew Simpson was present on the occasion. About $2000 were raised for centennial purposes, $500 being contributed by the Sunday-school. For this latter amount a per- manent scholarship in Dickinson College was secured; but, strange to relate, the church has never made use of any part of its privileges. On April 1st, 1867, the Young Men’s Christian Brotherhood was organized by Charles I. Thomp- son, and Joseph H. Selvert became the first president. The association was largely composed of young men who had been won to Christ and the church through the labors of his faithful servant. The members of the association found employment for their talents and energies in holding cottage prayer meetings and sustaining a Sunday-school in the western part of the city. They also raised the funds necessary to purchase and repair a church property on Charlotte street, near Lemon street, which had been sold at Sheriff's sale and was in possession of a private citizen. Considerable opposition was manifested when the purchase of the property was suggested, but finally Joseph H. Selvert was authorized and empowered 74 From 1868 to 1888. to make the purchase, which he did in 1867, the deed being executed on the 24th of March, 1868. Two days after, by endorsement on the deed he con- veyed the property to the First Methodist Hpis- copal Church. The title remained thus vested until April 1st, 1892, when it was sold for the sum of 31000 to the Western Methodist Episcopal Church of Lancaster. In August, 1867, the church had the pleasure of a visit and a sermon from the Rev. Henry Boehm, who had become generally known as “Father Boehm,” being at that time about ninety-two years of age. ; At the Conference of 1868 Henry F. Hurn was ap- pointed pastor of the First Church, Lancaster. “ He served the church with signal ability as a preacher,” but after only a few months’ residence in Lancaster he “ died rather suddenly ” on July 17th, 1868, in the 46th year of his age and the 22nd of his ministry. Edward J. Gray, of the Central Pennsylvania Conference, was secured by the Presiding Elder to serve as pastor during the remainder of the Confer- ence year. It was during this period that the choir under the leadership of E. Lane Schofield, M. D., ex- pressed a desire to introduce a pipe organ for use in the church services. The matter was fully consid- ered by the trustees, and on the 11th of September, 1868, they voted to permit an organ to be placed in the end gallery, provided the debt on the same should not exceed $500. From 1863 to 1888. 75 It was not long thereafter before an organ was ac- cordingly placed in the rear of the choir in the east gallery, and continued to serve the choir and con- gregation until the church was vacated on December 18th, 1891. It was soon thereafter sold to the Ridge Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, Harris- burg, Pa. At the end of the Conference year the pastor re- ported 327 members and 67 probationers, and a mis- sionary collection of $575. The church was very desirous to retain the services of Edward J. Gray another year, and for that pur- pose sought to have him transferred to the Philadel- phia Conference, or make an arrangement with the Presiding Elder by which he could be retained as “a supply.” The “state of the work,” however, would not admit of either of these plans being adopted. A rearrangement of the Districts of the Confer- ence was made in the spring of 1869. The Harris- burg District was formed, and Robert H. Patti- son appointed Presiding Elder. He filled the office with great acceptability and singular popularity until the spring of 1873. During these years Lancaster was a part of the Harrisburg District. In 1869 Curtis F. Turner was appointed to the First Church, Lancaster, and reappointed in 1870. Every interest of the church was well cared for dur- ing his pastorate, and at its close he reported 348 members and 20 probationers. 76 From 1863 to 18838. At the annual meeting of the male members held December 31st, 1869, authority was given to the trustees to purchase a lot of ground on East King street between Plum and Ann streets, authority which was exercised by the appointment of James Black as the representative of the trustees on the 19th of January, 1870. On the 31st of March he re- ported that the purchase had been made, and the deed would be ready on the following day. Before the close of the Conference year it was learned that the property on the southwest corner of Duke and Walnut streets was likely to be sold in a short time, and, as it adjoined the property already owned by the church, it was deemed advisable for the church to possess it. A committee was ap- pointed with authority to purchase, but they did not succeed in their efforts. The close of the Conference year brought a change of pastors. Joseph E. Smith was appointed in 1871, and continued in charge as pastor until the spring of 1874, being the second minister who served the church in that relation for three successive years. He was exceedingly popular in the church and in the community generally, and during his pastorate a great desire was created for a better house of worship. In fact no thorough repairs had been made to the building since 1854; the membership had increased in numbers and improved in circum- stances; the congregations were large, being limited only by the capacity of the building; the Sunday- SN THE REV. HENRY BOEHM. From 1868 to 1888. 17 school was required to meet in a low, contracted basement, and if Methodism was to exert its proper influence on the community, which had also wonder- fully developed in material prosperity in twenty years, a new house of worship was acknowledged to be a necessity. The trustees took the subject into consideration, various propositions came before them, the male members gave authority to the trustees to pro- ceed with the work of building a new church, and finally the lot at the northeast corner of Duke and Walnut streets was purchased on large credit, the price agreed upon being $9000.00. Plans were drawn, estimates were secured, and the prospect of a church and chapel costing together about $50,- 000.00 seemed to be exceedingly bright, but various causes which need not be mentioned here compelled the abandonment of the project, and hope in this direction died. In the first year of Joseph E. Smith’s pastorate measures were adopted to afford proper accommoda- tions to the Sunday-school in the eastern part of the city; and on the 8th of October, 1871, the corner stone of the building now recognized as the East King Street Methodist Episcopal Church was laid with appropriate ceremonies-by the venerable Henry Boehm, who “expressed great satisfaction at the progress of Methodism in the city of Lancaster” since he organized the class in 1807. At the close of Joseph E. Smith’s pastorate, in 1874, 78 From 1863 to 1888. the church had 838 members and 33 probationers. The missionary offerings of the people had steadily increased until they amounted to $744.63. The General Conference of the Methodist Episco- pal Church which met in Brooklyn, New York, in 1872, in determining the boundaries of the several Annual Conferences, changed the lines between the Philadelphia Conference and the Central Pennsyl- vania so as to include the city of Harrisburg within the territory of the latter. This necessitated a re- arangement of the districts of the Philadelphia Con- ference. The Susquehanna District was formed, with others, at the Conference session of 1873, and Curtis F. Turner was appointed Presiding Elder. He re- tained the office until the spring of 1877, when George Cummins became his successor, and continued in office until 1881. These brethren resided in Lan- caster, which was a part of the district, during their respective terms of service. Joseph B. Dobbins was appointed pastor in 1874, and served faithfully and efficiently for three years until the spring of 1877. The delay in the matter of the new church and the final failure of the enterprise imposed upon the trus- tees the necessity of repairing and improving the old church; consequently they began in the latter part of the year 1874 a thorough renovation and improve- ment, which occupied several months of the year 1875. A new roof was put on, the, exterior and in- terior were painted, the walls of the main audience “4 a BEZE€: a a z ‘ =| | ze ie : — \< a NN e | oe INN ‘ | ae) =| | /; A | NEA A = f Sb = j i | ", fae A ! Se La ; hy I; oY = WA — ae - = E | | I | ce 3 ewe pe =i We a = gee | ol: Mh IES = } | Za : ee We We = a l ( ' ! i i THE CHURCH ON DUKE STREET. (ALSO REAR OF PARSONAGE.) AS IT APPEARED FROM 1875 TO 1892. From 1868 to 18838. 79 room were frescoed, the floor in the basement was lowered several feet, hoods were placed over the windows in Duke street, and after an expenditure of about $4,000 the building presented a cheerful and inviting appearance. While this work was in progress the Sunday ser- vices were held in the Court House, the use of which had been granted by the County Commissioners. The Presbyterians very kindly offered the use of their church in which to hold the Sunday evening services, but the Court House was preferred, and a resolution of appreciation of their offer and thanks for the same was voted to the Presbyterians. In 1875 a mortgage for $3,500 was placed upon the church and parsonage property to enable the trustees to meet their obligations on account of the recent improvements. A resolution was adopted to sell the lot at the northeast corner of Duke and Wal- nut streets. Under date of December 5, 1875, re- port was made to the trustees that the lot had been sold for $7,500. This was $1,500 less than the price paid for it by the church. When appointed to Lancaster, First Church, in 1874, Joseph B. Dobbins was also appointed to the Missions, with J. M. Belford as a supply. These Missions included the Sunday-schools, located, one on East King street, and the other on Charlotte street. Hope was indulged that the time had come to bestow labor in both vicinities with a view to the establishment of regular church services. J. M. Bel- 80 From 1868 to 1888. ford labored only a few months. After he relin- quished his part of the charge services were held with some degree of regularity by the local brethren, exhorters and others, until 1877. At the close of his third year Joseph B. Dobbins was able to report 437 members and 27 probationers. All departments of the church were in excellent condition. In the spring of 1877 Lancaster’s First Church and Missions received John R. Boyle and William H. Aspril, the latter being especially assigned to the care of the Missions under the patronage and sup- port of the First Church. The importance of the Sunday-schools forming a part of the charge oceupied the thought and care of the pastor, and measures were adopted to increase the attendance and promote the efficiency of the officers and teachers. Perhaps at no period in the history of the charge was the pastoral oversight of this de- partment of the church as thorough as during 1877 and 1878. The Chautauqua course of reading and study was introduced among the young people at this time, and the pastor had the satisfaction of reporting amembership of eighty-eight in “The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle.” William H. Aspril rendered faithful service in the East and the West Mission, preaching, visiting among the people and caring for the children. At the Fourth Quarterly Conference held in November, 1877, a resolution was offered “ that the Bishop pre- From 1868 to 1888. 81 siding at the next session of the Annual Conference be requested to appoint an Assistant Pastor for the Chapels,” but the resolution was amended so as to read, “ provided $400 in bona fide subscriptions be raised previous to the session of the Annual Confer- ence.” The records do not show that the desired amount was pledged. John R. Boyle was reappointed pastor in 1878, and, although his cares were increased by being left without an assistant to labor at the missions, he ar- ranged for the maintenance of regular services in both the East and the West Mission by the local preacher and exhorters of the church. H. V. Givler, at that time a local preacher, now a member of the Pittsburg Conference, rendered valuable assistance at the West Mission towards the close of the year. Although the Third Quarterly Conference requested the reappointment of John R. Boyle for the year 1879, he was unexpectedly to himself and many of the members of the church appointed to another charge. Samuel H. C. Smith was appointed to the First Church, Lancaster, in 187 9. The Fourth Quarterly Conference held in 1878 had passed a resolution concerning an assistant pastor substantially the same as that adopted the previous year, and the result was about the same. The money was not pledged. An assistant was not ap- pointed. At the First Quarterly Conference in 1879 an effort was made to secure $300 for the sup- 82 From 1863 to 1888. port of an assistant pastor, but the Quarterly Confer- ence attached conditions which imposed upon the class at the West Mission the entire burden of secur- ing this amount. H. V. Givler was employed as assistant pastor, and rendered efficient service. The building on Charlotte street was enlarged and im- proved. Towards the close of the Conference year H. V. Givler and 8. W. Smith, the latter the son of the pastor, were recommended for admission on trial in the Annual Conference. 1n 1880 Samuel H. C. Smith was reappointed to the First Church, with 8. Olin Garrison as assistant in the care of the Missions. The interests of the church were well cared for during this year, and the West Mission developed a degree of strength which fully justified the efforts its friends had made to secure the direct personal super- vision and labor of a pastor. The Hast Mission was not so promising a field of labor, and did not receive as much of the care and service of the brethren. Henry G. Appenzeller, now Superintendent of Mis- sions in Korea, was at this time connected with the First Church as a local preacher and rendered valu- able service in that relation. At the Conference of 1881 the name of the district was changed to West Philadelphia, and Jacob Dick- erson was appointed Presiding Elder. He filled the office greatly to the satisfaction of the church until 1885, when he was succeeded by John F. Crouch, From 1868 to 1883. 83 who was reappointed each year until 1890. Both of these ministers were well acquainted with the people and needs of Lancaster Methodism, having resided in the city as pastors of St. Paul’s M. E. Church. In 1881 William C. Robinson was appointed pas- tor of the First Church, with two assistants, Robert A. MclIlwain and Henry G. Appenzeller. The former devoted his time and energy to promote the interests of the West Mission, while the latter was engaged in similar work at the East Mission. The pastor in charge was early called to speak of the non-attendance at class:‘meeting, a condition of af- fairs about which his predecessors and some of his successors have been equally perplexed. Special services were held in the First Church in the month of November, which resulted in a number of conversions and considerable spiritual profit and blessing to the members. At the West Mission about thirty-five persons professed conversion. At “the East Mission the labors of the assistant pastor were rewarded by the manifestation of a deep in- terest upon the part of the people, an increase in the ‘Sunday-school and several conversions. The Quar- terly Conference requested the reappointment of the pastor and the two assistant pastors. In the spring of 1882 William C. Robinson was reappointed to the First Church, with Robert A. MclIlwain as assistant pastor and one to be supplied. ‘Henry G. Appenzellar was appointed as the “sup- ‘ply’ by the Presiding Elder, but before the first of 84 From 1863 to 1883. May he accepted “work” within the bounds of the Newark Conference, convenient to Drew Theologi- cal Seminary, which he entered at the beginning of the fall term. Before the spring closed R. A. Mcll- wain was removed by the Presiding Elder and ap- pointed to Williamstown, Dauphin county, a charge which had been made vacant by the death of the pastor. Benjamin F. Powell was employed by the Presiding Elder as a “supply,” and entered upon his work as assistant pastor on June 25th. At the close of the year another gracious revival attended the labors of the pastors. At the West Mission fifty persons were added to the church, while the number of probationers at the First Church was increased to forty. A movement was made to secure a change in the charter, providing some other and more popular method of electing trustees than that which pre- vailed. The pastor expressed his judgment that this movement, if carried through, would “result bene- ficially,” but the movement was not successful. On the 11th of March, 1883, the Philadelphia Con- ference held its ninety-sixth annual session in the Court House in Lancaster. Union Church, Philadelphia, had been designated as the place for holding this session, but in view of the fact that the General Conference was to meet in that city in 1884 it was thought advisable to change the place of holding the session of the Annual Con- ference. The Lancaster churches and people gave From 1868 to 1888. 85 the Conference a most cordial greeting. Bishop Thomas Bowman presided. The business of the Conference was transacted with due deliberation, and the debates and discussions impressed the large audiences which assembled day after day with the unusual ability of the ministers. The anniversaries were occasions of rare interest, the missionary anniversary especially, with the addresses of Dr. Charles H. Fowler, then missionary secretary, now Bishop, and Dr. Otis H. Tiffany, then pastor of Spring Garden Street Church, Phila- delphia, since entered into rest, exceeding anything to which the Conference had been accustomed. PARL VE From 1883 ro 1893. James T. Satchell and William Powick ; success at West Mission ; William H. Aspril; Joseph R. Taylor Gray; Albert N. Millison ; Francis B. Harvey ; good work at West Mission ; First Church ; excellent congregations ; building becoming less suited ; Edward W. Burke ; subject of new church discussed ; work of F. B. Harvey at the West Mission ; Philadelphia Con- ference again in Lancaster; Bishop Merrill presided ; appoint- ment of Samuel M. Vernon; West Mission a separate charge ; on the high seas ; reception, etc.; important events ; reappointed; revival ; large ingathering ; the Conference of 1891; appoint- ment of J. 8. J. McConnell; numerical strength; Epworth League ; reception of probationers; net gain; special efforts in new chapel; the new organ; visit and sermon of Bishop Fowler; an interesting baptism; Ida Hannah Appenzeller; thanksgiving service; report of the Building Committee ; thanks by the Quarterly Conference ; extracts from the report ; the Ladies’ Aid Society ; amount given by Ladies’ Aid Society ; the Sunday-school ; Willing Helpers; Young People’s Asso- ciation ; itemized statement. T the close of the Conference of 1883 James T. Satchell was appointed to the First Church, with William Powick as assistant. At the West Mission it was found necessary to in- cur a debt in order to furnish a suitable parsonage for the assistant, who was practically to be the pas- tor of the Mission. A remarkably good degree of success crowned the efforts of the brethren. At the ( 86 ) From 1888 to 1898. 87 First Church revival influences were manifest, the congregations were excellent, both in size and qual- ity, and in every department of work the progress of the church was upward. Before the close of the year the debt incurred at the West Mission was paid, and so much advance was made that many people supposed the time had arrived when a separate or- vanization might be effected. In fact the Quarterly Conference made a request for such an organization, but for some unrecorded reason the charge remained as before, First Church and Missions, and in the spring of 1884 both pastors were reappointed. This year was marked by vigorous effort along all lines of church work, and resulted well, both in spiritual and temporal advancement. Being the centenary year of the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, special contributions were asked and received from the people to the amount of $4,000. Three thousand five hundred dollars of’ this amount was applied in payment of the mortgage: debt upon the parsonage, and five hundred dollars donated to the Preachers’ Aid Society. The num-- ber of members reported at the close of the year was. 524 and of probations 100. In the spring of 1885 James T. Satchell was again reappointed to the First Church and Missions, with: William H. Aspril as assistant. The year was one of prosperity in all departments,. and at its close resolutions appreciative of the pas-- tor and of the pastor’s wife were unanimously. 88 From 1883 to 1893. adopted by a rising vote of a Quarterly Conference, composed of twenty-eight members. At the West Mission good work was done, but the need of separate organization, for financial and and other reasons, was increasingly felt. In 1886 Joseph R. Taylor Gray was appointed to the First Church and Missions, with “one to be sup- plied.” He was well received, and in a short time became exceedingly well liked by the people. It was not, however, until August, 1886, that a supply was secured in the person of Albert N. Millison, who had been appointed at the session of Conference to Bethesda, Delaware county. In 1887 Joseph R. Taylor Gray was reappointed to the First Church and Missions, with Francis B. Harvey as assistant. The latter gave the most care- ful attention to every interest at the West Mission, secured the improvement of the property, a revision of the records, a creditable increase in the member- ship, and inspired the people with courage and hope. The former gave equal care to the affairs of the First Church. His congregations, like those of his predecessor, were excellent, but the building was be- coming less and less suited to a worshipping congre- gation and prosperous Sunday-school. Resolutions requesting the return of both pastors were adopted by the Quarterly Conference. At the close of the Conference of 1888 J. R. T. Gray was reappointed to the First Church and Mis- sions, with Edward W. Burke as a supply, ap- pointed by the Presiding Elder, J. F. Crouch. From 1888 to 1898. 89 The unfitness of the church building on Duke street had become more and more apparent. Meet- ings had been held in 1887, at which the subject was discussed, and in 1888 necessity was upon the pastor to preside at other meetings of a similar character. They were not always praise services, but by them the interests of the new church movement steadily advanced. The progress actually made is mentioned elsewhere. At the West Mission new life seemed to be im- parted. Francis B. Harvey had admirably prepared the way for himself, or, for another, as the Bishop and the Presiding Elders might determine, but months passing before the supply was secured the influence of preparation was measurably lost. The regular weekly services were well sustained, how- ever, and when the pastor came he found an appre- ciative and willing people. In the spring of 1889 the Philadelphia Conference again held its session in Lancaster. Although only six years had passed since it assembled in this place, the body had grown considerably, so that the pas- tors in the city had no small care in providing for the entertainment of the Conference and its visitors. The work was admirably accomplished, and the sat- isfaction of the Conference found expression in reso- lutions of thanks to the pastors of our own and other churches, to citizens and friends generally who had opened their homes and their hearts to welcome so large a number of ministers to Lancaster. 90 From 1888 to 1898. Bishop Stephen M. Merrill, D. D., presided over the sessions and conducted the business of the Con- ference in a most satisfactory manner. At the close of the Conference of 1889 Samuel M. Vernon was appointed to the First Church, and the West Mission, which was formed into a separate charge under the name of the Western Methodist Episcopal Church, received its first pastor in the person of Edward W. Burke, who had served them the preceding year, and who was admitted on trial at this session of the Conference. Samuel M. Vernon was not present at the session of the Conference, but was on the “high seas” on his way home after a sojourn in the East, at the time his appointment was announced. His reception in the charge was of the most cordial character. He entered upon his work under most favorable cir- cumstances. The congregations were large, the fi- nences of the church were in good condition, the people were pleased with his style of address, and everything that could be done by a predecessor to secure the success of the man who was to follow him had been done by Joseph R. Taylor Gray. The passing year brought many important events in the history of the church. The most prominent of these are recorded in connection with “ The latest church movement” in another part of this narrative. It may be permitted to simply allude thus to them here, and continue the chronological record. At the session of the Conference in 1890 Samuel From 1888 to 1898. 91 M. Vernon was reappointed to the First Church. James H. Hargis was appointed Presiding Elder of the West Philadelphia District to succeed John F. Crouch. With the opening of the year.1891 gracious influ- ences were manifest in the congregation, and special revival efforts resulted in the conversion of many persons. Seventy-two were received on probation before the close of the Conference year. At the session of the Conference of 1891 John 8. Janes McConnell was appointed to the First Church, and reappointed in 1892. As he is the compiler of this narrative he is not unmindful of the words of Holy Writ: It is not good to eat much honey; so for men to search their own glory is not glory. He found 518 members and 88 probationers who demanded his pastoral care, besides no small respon- sibility in connection with the new church enterprise. One of the first and most important events of the year was the organization of a chapter of the Ep- worth League. This was accomplished on May the 8rd, 1891. Other societies for young people had ex- isted in the church, and one, the Young People’s As- sociation, was at the time doing a good work along the lines of its own choosing. No attempt was made to interfere in the slightest degree with that organi- zation, but the Epworth League movement was growing throughout the Church, and to get the young people in line with their own denominational institutions and have them feel the strong sympa- 92 From 1883 to 1893. thetic touch of kindred spirits throughout the land was the aim of the pastor. In the midst of many discouraging circumstances Chapter No. 5,627 of the Epworth League of the First M. E. Church of Lancaster has steadily grown, and with the proper degree of encouragement will yet become a strong arm of power in the church. The pastor had the extreme pleasure on the 13th of September, 1891, of extending the right hand of fellowship to 68 of the probationers, and welcoming them to full membership in the church. Although there were many removals, and one of the heaviest mortality lists in the history of the church, as well as various changes in the records, at the end of the first year there was a net gain in the membership of ten per cent., and all the benevolent contributions of the church were increased, except the missionary collection taken in the Sunday-school. Shortly after the new chapel was occupied special efforts were made to awaken a deeper interest in the spiritual affairs of the church. The results were not equal to the expectations. Eleven persons were re- ceived on probation. During the summer of 1892, after the dedication of the new church, the organ was completed and placed in the organ loft in the rear of the pulpit. It was built by C. 8. Haskell, Esq., of Philadelphia, and is pronounced by competent judges one of the very finest, if not absolutely the finest pipe organ in Lancaster county. On Tuesday evening, September From 1888 to 1898. 93 20th, 1892, the inaugural recital attracted an audi- ence of four hundred people, “ who had the pleasure of listening to one of the finest musical treats ever given in this city.”* The performers were Profes- sors David D. Wood and Irvin J. Morgan, each of whom played a number of classic selections well adapted to display the varied powers of the magnifi- cent instrument. Both professors were enthusiastic in their praise of the new organ, pronouncing it one of the finest on which they have performed. On Sunday morning, November 6th, 1892, Bishop Charles H. Fowler, D. D., LL. D., favored the church with his presence and a sermon of great beauty and strength on the gain of godliness, his text being 1. Timothy, 4: 8. “ Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” A large and ap- preciative audience listened with intense delight to the Bishop’s discourse, and at the close of the ser- vice rose en masse at the suggestion of the pastor, thereby expressing their thanks. The Bishop’s com- ing was not fully advertised, as there was an element of uncertainty about it until alate hour. A most beautiful and appropriate service in connection with the Bishop’s visit, and one in which the pastor was privileged to join, was the baptism of Ida Hannah Appenzeller, born in Seoul, Korea, October 5th, 1891, daughter of the Rev. Henry G. Appenzeller, *The New Era. 94 From 1888 to 1893. Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Mission in Korea, and Mrs. Ella Dodge A ppenzeller, formerly a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Lancaster. On the 21st of November, 1892, the pastor and treasurer presented to the Building Committee a full detailed report of every item entering into the cost of the new church, together with a statement of the indebtedness at that time. This had been authorized to be done about one month before. At the Fourth Quarterly Conference, held on the 20th of December, 1892, twenty-one official brethren, besides the pastor, being present, and the Presiding Elder, J. H. Hargis, in the chair, this report, which had been adopted by the Building Committee, was presented as the final report of the committee to the body by which it had been appointed. The report was received and the committee discharged with thanks. The obligations remaining due were formally passed to the care and management of the trustees, all of whom had been members of the committee, and a special vote of thanks was unanimously, and by rising, tendered to the pastor for his wise and efficient leadership of the Building Committee in the affairs of the new church. * * * * * * * The Lancaster New Era of Friday, November 25, 1892, contained the following item: “An unusually large congregation for Thanks- giving Day assembled in the First M. E. Church at the hour of 9.30 A. M. The number of men present was an exceptionally gratifying feature. The ser- From 1883 to 1898. 95 vices were announced to continue about one hour, and, notwithstanding the variety of the programme, the benediction was pronounced at thirty-two min- utes past ten o’clock, A. M. “The services were under the leadership and direc- tion of the pastor, the Rev. Dr. McConnell, and con- sisted of singing two selections from the church hymnal; two anthems by the choir; a selection by the quartette from the Orange street Synagogue ; prayer by the Rev. J. H. Esterline; Scripture read- ings by the Rev. C. C. Clark and the Rev. H. G. Appenzeller, of Korea; excellent, brief addresses by the Rev. C. W. Hutsler, the Rev. Rabbi C. Levy and Dr. McConnell, and the benediction by the Rev. D. W. Bicksler. “Nine ministers were present, seven of whom shared in the services. There was but one opinion heard respecting the entire service, and that was that it was one of the most appropriate and interesting, as well as profitable, held in recent years in this city. “The arrangement of a service of one hour’s dura- tion, beginning at an hour that does not conflict with domestic duties, and closing so as not to inter- fere with noon reunion and festivities, was made for the firat time by Rev. Dr. McConnell one year ago, and owing to its success then was repeated this year with the results noted above.” * * * * * * * This narrative would be incomplete without a recognition of the assistance rendered by various 96 From 1888 to 1898. auxiliaries of the Building Committee and the trus- tees. As these are mentioned in the report to which reference has been made the members and friends of these auxiliaries will be gratified to see and read the essential paragraphs of the report in this place, in- cluding the action of the trustees concerning the work of the Ladies’ Aid Society. The entire cost of the new church, as per items on page 100, was $83,091.47. The financial transactions of the Building Com- mittee, year by year, since the consummation* of the purchase of the lot, were as follows: From April 1st, 1889, to April 9th, 1890, the receipts were $5,866.22, and the disbursements $3,306.06, leaving as the balance in the treasury at the latter date $2,560.16. The indebtedness was $12.,- 000, secured by a mortgage, this sum being part of the purchase price of the lot. The receipts in- cluded $23.22 of Sunday-school funds entered in the account under misapprehension and returned to the Sunday-school treasury, October 5th, 1891. From April 9th, 1890, to March 7th, 1891, the receipts were $15,884.91, which with the balance of $2,560.16, gave the trustees $18,445.07 for use in the Building Fund. They were compelled to borrow $6,645.95 to add to the fund, so that they had for *The purchase was made in February, 1889, but, in accord- ance with the custom which prevails in Lancaster county, it was not regarded as consummated until the first day of April following. From 1888 to 1898. 97 use $25,091.02. The disbursements were $25,082.15. These included $61.20 for interest, and $1,820.95 re- turned on account of money borrowed. The balance in the treasury was $8.87. The indebtedness was in- creased to $16,825; $12,000 secured by mortgage and $4,825 by notes given by the trustees. From March 10th, 1891, to March Ist, 1892, the receipts were $16,957.22, which with the balance of $8.87, gave the trustees $16,966.09 for use in the Building Fund. They borrowed $17,683, so that they had for use $34,649.09. The disbursements were $34,541.89. These included the return of $23.22 mentioned in connection with the receipts of the years 1889; the payment of $428.32 for interest; the payment of $4,825 for notes outstanding March 7th, 1891, and the return of $11,083.00 on account of money borrowed during the year. The indebtedness March Ist, 1892, was $18.600, $12,000 secured by mortgage and $6,600 by notes given by the trustees. The balance in the treasury was $107.20. From March Ist, 1892, to November 21st, 1892, the receipts were $18,532.63, which with the balance of $107.20 gave the trustees for use in the Building Fund $18,639.88. Loans were obtained to the amount of $12,200, so that the trustees had for use $30,839.83. The disbursements were $30,651.50. These included $145 for interest, and the return of $6,350 on account of notes outstanding March Ist, 1892. The indebtedness November 21st, 1892, is $26,062.04; $12,000 secured by mortgages; 98 From 1888 to 1898. $12,450 by notes given by the trustees and $1,- 612.04 representing bills unpaid. The balance in the treasury November 21st, 1892, is $188.33. The aggregate receipts and disbursements, deduct- ing the $23.22 mentioned in the transactions of the first year, have been as follows: Receipts, $93,- 746.71; disbursements, $93,558.38. Leaving the balance as above, $188.33. It may not be uninteresting to know that $65,- 349.63, constituted the working capital between March 10th, 1891, and November 21st, 1892, a period of a little more than one year and eight months. * * * * * * * The indebtedness has been somewhat modified since the report was presented and adopted, and is at this date, January 14th, 1893, $25,706.52; and is in form as follows: $12,000 secured by mortgage being part of the purchase price of the lot; 313,- 300 in notes given by the trustees, and $406.52 repre- senting bills payable. The balance in the treasury at this date is $268.96. * * * * * * * At the meeting of the trustees held November 21st, 1892, the following paper was unanimously adopted, to wit: Wuereas, The Ladies’ Aid Society of the First Methodist Episcopal Church organized in the year 1888, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. R. T. Gray, have collected, secured and paid into the Building Fund of said church the sum of $4,239.61, which has been applied in payment for: From 1888 to 1893. 99 Chapel chairs ...... wee). $799.40 Gallery chairs . 2... ....020, . . 264.60 Carpet and matting, lining, sewing and laying the same: <2 fos ee we ee . . 1,192.78 Pews for the main audience room... . 1,852.45 Cushions 2.65 26 ee ee we — 630.43 $4,239.61 And have collected and paid on two occasions the semi-annual interest on the mortgage on the church lot, namely, $300 on October Ist, 1889, and $300 on , April Ist, 1890, and further paid $38 in March, 1891, for cleaning the parsonage and repairing furni- ture, and donated the sum of $50 to the general purpose of the Building Fund on the occasion of the opening of the chapel on December 20th, 1891, in addition to bearing expenses and interest to the amount of $17.82, thus making the total financial re- sult of their efforts reach the handsome sum of $4,945.43, and Wuereas, This work carried forward through four and a-half years has required the exercise of much patience and forbearance, as well as skill and energy, and has involved no small amount of sacri- fice upon the part of the ladies, therefore, Resolved, That the Trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church place upon record their apprecia- tion of the earnest and faithful efforts of the Ladies’ Aid Society, and heartily thank them for the contri- butions they have made, and the form in which they have placed them as indicated in the preamble. 100 From 1883 to 1893. * * * * * * * The items entering into the cost of the new church are as follows: Lot of ground N. W. cor. of Duke and Wal- DUS, wee 2a S eo a . . $15,000 00 Circulars printed i 1889.2 6 ie oe ae ey 6 06 Contract for the building, John Evans, . . 45,400 00 Extras in the contractor’s bill, John Evans, - 586 12 Contract for heating, John Best, . . . .. 2,432 00 Glass for chapel and church including memo- vial windows,. ........... **4 496 36 Chairs for the chapel, ee ee ee . *T99 40 Chairs for the gallery,. .. 2... ... *264 60 Chairs for thechoir,. ...... . 2. . 180 00 Reflectors in the chapel,. ........ 143 50 Chapel pulpitandtables,. ........ 99 65 Carpet and matting,. ©... . ew, *1,091 62 Carpet lining, sewing and laying, wom ey LO AD Matting for stairs and vestibules,. . 88 04 Chapel organs, aN drGr "be A ge 0b Sok ae 200 00 Pews, .... ee ae ee ee *1,352 45 Cushions, ee ee ee ee eee ge .. . *630 43 Pipe organ, eee wwe we He a ee (8800000 Organ room, . . 3 aS EP 63 65 Pulpit, Bible, Hymnal and Ritual, va es **256°00 Expenses at chapel opening, ....... 50 00 Insurance, 3 @ 4 ¥. 3 96 ee wa Oe es 452 40 Collection plates and lining, . . 62 04 Library shelves and boxes; sashlifts and hardware; iron support for girders and carpenter ‘work, e8 4 oe eS 86 35 Pulpit furniture for "church, S94 Was 236 44 Gas fixtures, ......-...., Be Se ante 973 52 Curbing and Paving; «© a wae ww s 1,663 97 Extra painting,. .. Soe eS ae 133 55 Expenses of dedication week, Printing and postage, .......... 38 60 From 1888 to 1893. 101 Iron supports for electric wires in front of church,. . . . **42 80 Sodding plats on both sides of church, ors 43 40 Transfer of right of ae uy: C. a SP acitt hereon Ws 75 00 Division fences,. . . cof i 85 15 BUTVEVANGS: ops: ak So klar. BE ae. Bad 5 00 Hauling, . . . Soa ain bh Ur weieienx aise 11 90 Expense with old organ, . ae lad 10 00 Extra platform in Sunday- school room, ace 54 87 Carpets and cushions for same,. . .... 23 30 T. P. Lonsdale, architect, woe gaa: (A195 -380 R. M. Morrow, pean at, SF dk say Sayranes 500 00 Interest on loan and notes,. ....... 634 52 Labor,.. . iy 54 18 Envelope boxes and expressage on same, ea 10 35 Bell for Sunday-school, . . . 2... ... 4 00 Electric lights at pulpit, . a 11 50 Florist’s bill for flowers and vases at dedi- CAION sre. 4 Boe Re 7 50 Accumulated interest on loans to Oct. 1, 1892, 145 02 $83,091 47 N. B.—The toal amount given by Tue Lapvizs’ Alp Society ....... . . $4,239.61 THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL. . ......... . 9839.30 THe WILLING HELPERS .. . 6a 2 ae » 182,60 THE YoOuNG Puopinls Axeooraaran eth ois : 104.47 To which should be added seventy-seven cents which was put into a general collection after all bills on account of the Young People’s Association were paid. * Paid by Tue Laprzs’ Arp Society. + Paid by the Choir, ** Paid by special donations for that object. i PART VIt. From SepremMBer, 1885, to DecemBer 13, 1891. THE Latest New Caurco Movement. Memorial from Sunday-school Board to Trustees ; change of pastors ; needs of the church again considered ; leadership of J. R. T. Gray ; $15,000 pledged ; authority from male members to make purchase of ground ; lot bought ; Thomas P. Lonsdale selected as architect; breaking ground; work on the new church progressed slowly; change of plans; a tower; the corner stone laid ; a change of pastors ; a feeling of resentment aroused ; the new pastor appointed chairman of the building committee ; report made in July, 1891 ; the chapel completed in December, 1891; announcement of dedication ; farewell serv- ices in the old church on Duke street ; four Sunday-schools as- sembled ; a laymen’s meeting ; synopsis of addresses ; church crowded ;a memorable occasion. Cy the 27th of September, 1885, the Sunday- school Board adopted a memorial for presen- tation to the Board of Trustees setting forth the dis- advantages under which the officers and teachers of the school labored and the inconvenience experienced by the scholars who attended the Sunday-school. The memorial was signed by the pastor, J. T. Satchell; by five officers of the school and seventeen other per- sons, representing teachers and members of the bible class. On the 30th of October, 1885, the memorial was presented to the Board of Trustees, who gave it re- ( 102 ) From September, 1885, to December, 1891. 1038 spectful attention. “ After a lengthy discussion par- ticipated in by all the members present, the follow- ing resolution was adopted, viz: “ Resolved, That the Board of Trustees fully con- cur in the views expressed in the memorial presented from the Sunday-school Board, but do not deem it expedient at the present time to make any additions or alterations to the church building, as in the near future the entire church will have to be rebuilt or remodelled so as to give the desired accommoda- tions.” * The Sunday-school Board reluctantly acquiesced in the decision of the trustees, but the agitation of the needs of the school was continued until it was found expedient to bring the subject of a new church before a meeting of the male members, in accordance with the provisions of the charter prohibiting the creation of a debt, or the incumbrance of the prop-~ erty, except by and with the concurrence of a ma- jority of the male members present and voting, at a meeting regularly called, ete. Meanwhile a change of pastors occurred. The: time of J. T. Satchell, who had served the church. most efficiently and successfuly for three years, ex-- pired with the Conference session in 1886, and J. R. T. Gray was appointed to the charge of the First Church, Lancaster. On the 21st of June, 1887, the needs of the church, * Modified from the minutes.. 104 The Latest New Church Movement. were presented to the consideration of the male members in meeting assembled. The pastor was chosen to preside. With characteristic clearness and force he presented the claims of the Sunday-school and the needs of the congregation, which, frequently during his pastorate, tested the capacity of the church. The action of the meeting was favorable to a new church enterprise. The leadership of the pas- tor was given to the movement, and during the re- mainder of that year and much of the next (for in 1888 he was again appointed to the charge of the First Church and Missions, with one to be supplied) he labored to create sentiment and secure subscriptions contingent upon the prosecution of the work. Be- fore the close of his pastorate, in the spring of 1889, J. R. T. Gray was enabled to report subscriptions to the amount of about $15.000, and, on the strength of the promised codperation of the members and friends of the church, an agreement was made for the purchase of a lot of ground that has been justly styled “one of the finest sites in the city of Lan- caster.” On the Ist of January, 1889, the male members authorized the trustees to purchase a suitable lot of ground for the new church. On the 18th of Febru- ary, 1889, they authorized the trustees to ratify and confirm an agreement made by 8S. M. Myers, as one of the New Church Committee appointed by the Quarterly Conference, and the executors of the es- tate of Jacob Griel, deceased, for the purchase of the From September, 1885, to December, 1891. 105 lot and house on the northwest corner of Duke and Walnut streets for $15,000. Two days after the trustees assumed the responsibility thus imposed upon them and directed the proper officers to ratify and confirm the agreement. This lot contains 108 feet on Duke street, and on its northern side for a distance of 23 feet of its width extends about 240 feet to Christian street, while for 85 feet of its width it extends 152 feet on Walnut street. On the part 85 feet by 152 feet the new church is erected. The purchase was completed on the first day of April, 1889, at which time the con- veyance was made. The price paid was $3,000, subject to a mortgage of $12,000, bearing interest at the rate of five per cent. per annum. On the 14th of June, 1889, Thomas P. Lonsdale, of Philadelphia, was selected as the architect for the new building. Plans were prepared, modified and adopted in due time, but the contract was not entered into until the 19th of November, 1889. On Thursday afternoon, November 28th, 1889, Thanksgiving Day, special services were held under the direction of the pastor, 8. M. Vernon, in the “ old Griel building” on the new church site. The most prominent and joyful feature of the occasion was the breaking of the ground for the foundation of the new church. The pastor took out the first spadeful of earth. He was followed by Mrs. Florella Sampson, the oldest member of the society. After her the trustees, the Ladies’ Aid Society and the members of the church 106 The Latest New Church Movement. took part in the simple ceremony which was calcu- lated to bind more closely to each other those who were engaged in its performance. Addresses were de- livered on this occasion by the pastor, by R. M. Mor- row, President of the Trustees, and Samuel M. Myers. Work on the new church progressed, but slowly during the winter of 1889 and the spring of 1890. Some delay was caused by changing the plans so as to provide for a tower at the corner of Duke and Walnut street, and arranging the foundations so that the corner stone should form a part of this tower. At halfpast five o’clock on Sunday afternoon, July 5th, 1890, the corner stone was laid with ap- propriate services which were in charge of the pastor. He was assisted by the pastor of St. Paul’s M. E. Church, the Rev. E. C. Yerkes; the pastor of St. Paul’s Reformed Church, the Rev. J. W. Meminger ; the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. J. Y. Mitchell, D. D.; the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Rev. C. L. Fry, and by the Rev. J. R. T. Gray. The change of pastors which took place in the spring of 1891, referred to elsewhere, for a time threatened serious consequences. The reason for any change was not apparent to large numbers of the members of the church, and various imaginings were indulged until a feeling of resentment was engen- dered against Bishop C. H. Fowler, who presided at the Conference, the Presiding Elder of the District From September, 1885, to December, 1891. 107 and the newly appointed pastor. This feeling was widespread and gave rise to all sorts of rumors cal- culated to hinder the work, but after a time the loyalty of the people began to assert itself. Better judgments prevailed, and the Quarterly Conference at its session on the 27th day of March, 1891, elected the newly appointed pastor chairman of the Building Committee. From a report made by him in July, 1891, the fol- lowing paragraph is transferred to these pages: Since Conference there have been a few interrup- tions to the work in consequence of the rains of April and May, which interfered with the quarrying of stone and slate, and some delay was caused by the death of the superintendent of the ornamental stone work. The blue stone work had reached but little above the sill of the large central window when Conference came; now all the blue stone is in place on both chapel and main edifice. The trimming and ornamental stone is also in place. Work on the tower is advancing, though necessarily slowly. The chapel roof is slated, and before these lines reach the reader the slating of the main building will doubt- less be completed. In the interior the walls of the church are stripped and ready for lathing. The floors are laid in the chapel, and the walls have re- ceived the first coat of plaster. The mill work, such as the sash for the chapel, is receiving attention. The contract for the glass has been awarded, as has also the contract for the seats for the first and the second story of the chapel. 108 The Latest New Church Movement. The grading of the sidewalk has been begun, but cannot be completed until the lime boxes and stone sheds can be taken away, so as to allow of the removal of the present unsightly and undesirable trees.* Despite apparently adverse circumstances, the pastor and Building Committee put what force they could control back of the different contractors, and the work on the new church went forward without the loss of a single day being caused by the action of the officiary or the church. Early in December, 1891, the pastor made the fol- lowing announcement: The chapel is completed with the exception of a few comparatively minor de- tails of work, which will receive attention without unnecessary delay. We can pronounce the chapel ready for occupancy. Appropriate religious services will be held in it on Sunday, December 20th, com- mencing at 10 o’clock in the morning; 1:45 in the afternoon, and 7:15 in the evening. The Rev. Cyrus D. Foss, D. D., LL. D., one of the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, will preach at the morning service. The Rev. George Edward Reed, D. D., LL. D., President of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., will preach in the evening. The Rev. J. H. Hargis, D. D., Presiding Elder of the West Philadelphia District, will be present and participate in the services of the day. All the ser- vices will be held in the second story of the Chapel, *The Methodist Messenger, July, 1891. From September, 1885, to December, 1891. 109 a spacious room about 70 feet long by 40 feet wide, intended to constitute the apartment for the main division of the Sunday-school. At the afternoon service the Sunday-sehool, under the direction of the superintendent, J. L. Withrow, D. D.S., will render an appropriate programme of Christmas music. In view of the hallowed associations and memories connected with the building that for nearly fifty years had been the home of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Lancaster, it was deemed ap- propriate to hold farewell services before going to the new chapel on Walnut street. Accordingly, on Sunday, December 18th, 1891, an interesting and profitable love feast was held, commencing at 9 o'clock a. m. At 10:30 o’clock a. m. the pastor preached on “The Fellowship of Believers,” basing his remarks on I. John 1: 5-7. In the afternoon the four Methodist Sunday- schools of the city held a union service. All per- sons not connected with one or other of the schools were invited to remain at home. This was well, for the members of the schools, embracing the school of the First Church, St. Paul’s school, Western school and East King street school, crowded the house. The musica] part of the programme was in charge of J. L. Withrow, D. D. 8., superintendent of the school of the First Church. The intention was to have James Black, Esq., preside, because of 110 The Latest New Church Movement. his relations to the early history of the schools, but a severe cold prevented his attendance. The presi- dency devolved upon Dr. McConnell, pastor of the First Church. C. Lee Gaul, pastor of St. Paul’s Church, offered prayer. Brief addresses were deliv- ered by Dr. McConnell and H. Varian Miller of the First Church, Rea Reed of St. Paul’s Church, Jacob Werntz of the Western Church and Moses Hollinger of the East King street school. The hymns sung were familiar to all the schools and contributed in no small degree to make the occasion a glad jubilee. The benediction was pronounced by Charles C. Clark, pastor of the Western Church. This was the first time in the history of the schools that they were brought together for a service, and the gladness which they experienced will not soon be forgotten. In the evening a laymen’s meeting was held. Robert M. Morrow, President of the Board of Trus- tees, occupied the chair and directed the services. The choir led the congregation in the well-known hymn, “Come, thou fount of every blessing.” Prayer was offered by the pastor. Addresses were then delivered which were well reported in the papers on the following day. From the Lancaster Intelligencer a modified epitome of the addresses is transferred to these pages: The first address was by Mr. Morrow. He said thé congregation has assembled for the last time in regular Sabbath church services within these sacred walls. He would leave the old building with pleas- From September, 1885, to December, 1891, 111 ant recollections of it, and hoped all would leave be- hind all in their hearts that was of a sinful nature and take with them to the new church only what was good. His first entrance into this church was in 1849, when he visited this city. In 1853, when he came to live here, he deposited his certificate, and had been identified with the church and its people ever since. The old building was endeared to him by many sweet recollections. His intercourse with the brethren and sisters had been most pleasant. Twice he had remodelled this building, and much of the work was done with his own hands. All the work about the altar he had personally done. He rejoiced to see the handsome edifice on the other corner ready for occupancy, and prayed that God would be with the congregation there. Wm. H. Bateman was next called upon. He said he realized a feeling of sadness as he looked back, and the recollection of events in the history of the church crowded about him. The best days of his life were spent within the walls of this church. Here he raised his family, and he was glad to say that one of his sons was in the Gospel ministry in the great Northwest. He joined the church in 1847, and now as he looked about he saw but few who were in it when he became a member. Je referred to the death of the venerable Mrs. Samson, which occurred only a few days ago,* who was connected *Mrs. Florella Samson died on December 4th, 1891, aged nearly 96 years. 112 The Latest New Church Movement. with the church almost from its organization in this city, and spoke of the uncertainty of life, and urged all to be ready before the summons of death came. Samuel M. Myers told of his conversion in 1848, of his connection with the First Church in this city since 1861. He went over the list of pastors since 1861, and spoke of the changes of the past thirty years. He was glad that he was one that urged the building of the new church, and hoped when it was occupied that all would be harmony between the brethren, and with harmony there would be success. Joseph H. Selvert was called upon to speak. He referred briefly to his recollection of the early mem- bers of the church. He spoke of the pleasant associa- tions formed in the old church which would never be forgotten, and believed with the preceding speaker that, before they went to the new church, all should consecrate themselves anew to the service of the Lord, determined to work harder than ever in his cause, After the singing of a hymn, the exercises were closed with the benediction by the pastor. The at- tendance was sufficient to crowd the main floor and the galleries, and the interesting character of the services was calculated to make the occasion a mem- orable one to all who were present. PART VILL DEcEMBER 20,1891. THE OPENING OF THE’CHAPEL. Opening of the new chapel; the order of exercises; sermon by Bishop Foss ; Sunday-school exercises ; addresses by Bishop Foss, Presiding Elder Dr. Hargis and Dr. G. E. Reed; even- ing sermon by the Rev. Dr. Reed, President of Dickinson Col- lege; announcements by the pastor; financial results; a sur- prise to the people. oe 20th, 1891, the day appointed for the opening of the new chapel was all that could be desired. Ten o’clock was the hour designated for beginning the services, but long before that hour the chapel was filled with members and friends of the church. Every seat was occupied and a number of persons were obliged to stand. The exercises began by sing- ing hymn No. 865 of the Methodist Hymnal: “ Great King of glory come;” after which Bishop Cyrus D. Foss offered a fervent and comprehensive prayer con- cluding with the Lord’s Prayer, in the repetition of which the congregation united. After a selection by the choir and announce- ments by the pastor, Psalm No. 122 was read respon- sively. Bishop Foss read a part of the fifth chapter * Abridged from the Lancaster papers. (1138 ) 114 The Opening of the Chapel. of Matthew. Hymn No. 862 was sung, “ Enter thy temple, glorious King!” Then the sermon was preached by Bishop Foss from the words found in Psalm 87: 2-3. “The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O City of God.” The theme was, God’s love for the Church. He loves the Church for what it has cost him; for what it is in the world, and for what it is to be. After prayer by the Rev. Dr. George E. Reed, a financial statement was made by the pastor and contributions solicited. The amount received was $1,275. The services closed with the singing of the long metre doxology. The benediction was pro- nounced by Bishop Foss. THE AFTERNOON EXERCISES. The exercises in the afternoon were by the Sun- day-school and were under the direction of Dr. J. L. Withrow. Following is the programme, which, in view of the nearness of Christmas, was given some- what of the character of a Christmas festival pro- programme: Singing by the school, “Cheerily Chime;” recitation, “ Welcome,” Emily Shaub; sing- ing, “Rejoice and be Joyful;” selections from the Scripture, Rev. Dr. McConnell; prayer, Rev. C. C. Clark, Western M. E. Church; responsive reading, led by Z. T. Hayes; singing, “To Bethlehem has- ten;” recitation, “Christmas Eve,” Iva Makinson; The Opening of the Chapel. 115 ? singing, “Child Jesus Comes ;” singing by primary school; responsive reading, led by Rev. Dr. McCon- nell; solo, “ A Christmas Day,” Katie Brown; reci- tation, with singing by class of boys; singing, “Brightest and Best;”’ recitation, Chester Pryor; solo, cradle hymn, Mamie Hatz, with piano and violin accompaniment; singing, “Joy to the World.” Addresses were delivered by Bishop Foss, Presid- ing Elder J. H. Hargis, D. D., and Rev. Dr. Reed, which were listened to with pleasure and profit. Drs. McConnell and Reed made appeals for con- tributions to the building fund, which were re- sponded to quite liberally, the school pledging about $233.00. THE EVENING SERVICE. The greatest throng of the day was at the evening service, which was opened at 7:15 by the singing of hymn No. 860. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Reed. “Be Joyful in the Lord,” was sung by the choir, after which Rev. C. 8. Mervine, of Boehm’s circuit, read as the lesson the 84th Psalm. After the singing of a hymn the announcement of services to be held during the week was made by Rev. Dr. McConnell. In referring to the presence of the Rev. Dr. G. E. Reed, President of Dickinson College, he said this was the third time in the history of the Methodist church in this city, that a President of Dickinson College officiated at the first services in new buildings. The first time was in 1842, when the Rev. Dr. J. P. Durbin preached at the dedication 116 The Opening of the Chapel. of the church on Duke street, and the second was in 1849, when the Rev. Dr. J. T. Peck dedicated the chapel on German street. Rev. Dr. Reed announced as his text the seventh chapter of St. Luke, the 5th verse, “For he loveth our nation and he hath built us a synagogue.” His theme was the blessings that come to men through their association with the Church. He spoke about the centurion who built the synagogue in Capernaum with his surplus means; of © his great faith in the Saviour, whom he asked to cure his servant who was in the very throes of death. He drew from the narrative the conclusion that in build- ing the synagogue the Centurion did the best thing possible for himself and for the whole community. He did that which met the approval of his conscience, and parted with some of his wealth for the good of the community. The rich man may enjoy all the luxuries obtainable, but he should remember the great claims God has on him. The great duty of rich men is to use their capital so that the world shall be benefited and blessed by it. At the conclusion of the sermon the collectors re- sumed the work of soliciting funds for the new build- ing, and in a short time were able to report contribu- tions which would make the aggregate of the day’s offerings $2,000. The Rev. Dr. McConnell announced that the Young Peoples’ Association presented the pulpit, reading desk and three tables, which will be used in the chapel, The Opening of the Chapel. 117 and the pulpit Bible was presented by Mrs. Margaret A. Morris. He also stated that a special gift of $200 would be added to the offerings already made, and that a friend had promised during the day to give him $1,500 on conditions to be approved by the trustees, which conditions Dr. McConnell was sure the trustees would gratefully accept. This would bring the offerings of the day to $3,700. This was a most gratifying surprise to the people, who showed their delight by singing most heartily: ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”’ The benediction was pronounced by the Rey. Dr. Reed. PART IX. Tue New Cuurcy; its DepIcaTION; SERVICES THE WEEK Forttowine. June 12 To 19, 1892. The new church described in The New Hra ; the church and its furnishing ; the memorial windows; the builder and fur- nishers ; the building committee ; notices in the daily papers ; dedicatory services; a great day for the Methodists; the order of the services; sermon by Bishop Foss; abstract of the ser- mon; the collection; the afternoon exercises; a surprise to many; the gift of the Sunday-school; services in the evening ; illness of the Rev. C. C. McCabe; account of the first church owned by the Methodists in Lancaster, given by the pastor, by request; the collection ; presentation by the Ladies’ Aid So- ciety ; dedication by Bishop Foss; benediction by Presiding Elder Dr. Hargis. Services in week following dedication ; sermon by the Rev. 8. H. C. Smith ; sermon by the Rev. J. T. Satchell ; reunion of pastors and members; sermon by the Rev, J. R. T. Gray, D. D.; sermon by the Rev. 8. M. Vernon, D. D.; Sunday, June 19, 1892; large congregations; sermon by the Rey. Joseph E. Smith, D. D., LL. D.; evening sermon by the pas- tor ; interesting services ; climax of the purpose of the fathers; a crown to the labors of Philip Benedict and others. HE NEW ERA, one of the daily papers of Lan- caster, in its issue for June 11, 1892, devoted much of its space to a description of the new church and the events leading to its erection. From its columns much of what follows has been transferred : (118 ) Its Dedication. 119 A GRAND EDIFICE. DUKE STREET METHODIST CHURCH. WHAT IS PROBABLY THE HANDSOMEST CHURCH EDIFICE IN LANCASTER TO BE DEDICATED To-MORROW—DE- SCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING. The new edifice of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, corner of Duke and Walnut streets, is so far completed that it will be dedicated to the wor- ship of Almighty God, on to-morrow, Sunday, June 12th. THE CHURCH AND ITS FURNISHING. The church occupies one of the finest sites in the city of Lancaster, at the northwest corner of Duke and Walnut streets, and is not only in harmony with the beautiful surroundings in that locality, but: _is claimed by many to be the finest building, archi-. tecturally considered, in the entire city. In style- the building is a modified Gothic structure, occupy-- ing 60 feet front on Duke street and 136 feet 6. inches on Walnut street, exclusive of the buttresses,. tower and steps. The material of the walls is Lan- easter county blue limestone with Beaver Falls sand~ stone trimmings. Ascending the front steps on Duke street, or en-- tering through the tower at the corner of Duke and Walnut streets, the visitor finds himself in a spar- 120 The New Church. cious and well-lighted vestibule, from which he may ascend to the gallery, or, by either of the three doorways, pass into the main audience room. This is 80 feet 6 inches long and 55 feet 8 inches wide, while the gallery over the vestibule adds twelve feet more to the length of space to be filled by the speaker. The height of the side walls is 21 feet, while from the floor to the ridge is over 56 feet. The walls are light buff. All the woodwork is oak, finished in antique style. The pews are handsomely cushioned, and the entire interior presents a har- mony of colors and furnishing. In the rear of the pulpit is the space for the choir, sufficiently large to accommodate thirty persons. The organ is to be placed over the choir, but with the keyboard on the choir platform, and so placed that the organist may face the congregation. The front pipes and key- desk are now in position, but the organ will not be completed for several weeks. THE MEMORIAL WINDOWS. An interesting feature of the new church is the beau- tiful and expensive glass constituting the windows. Eight of the side windows are memorial, while the large front window, probably the largest window in the county, is also memorial. This is a gift of the Hon. A. Herr Smith, and his sister, Miss Hliza E. Smith, in memory of their parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Smith. The design is unique and is espe- cially intended to illustrate the gracious invitation Its Dedication. 121 of the Saviour: “Come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The side memorial windows present beantiful pictures of scenes in the life of Christ, or symbolic characters, and emblems of the Christian faith. The one to the memory of John B. Good presents the scene of the Birth of the Christ child, and the Visit of the Shep- herds. James Potts has a memorial representing John, the beloved disciple, bearing the consolations of the Gospel and the comfort of the Holy Sacra- ment, while James, with staff in hand, with cloak and hat, silently presents for contemplation the pil- grim life of the true disciple. Mrs. Eliza M. Black, and her daughter, Miss Gertrude H. Black, are re- membered by a picture of Christ praying with His disciples and saying: “I will not leave you comfort- less,” and the scene at Emmaus when the disciples “constrained him, saying, abide with us.” Mr. William Murray and Mrs. Nancy G. Murray have fitting remembrance in the symbolic characters, the Sower and the Reaper, with the mottoes: “ He that soweth to the Spirit shall reap everlasting life,” and * Both he that soweth and he that reapeth may re- joice together.” These windows are placed on the south side of the church. Those on the north side are of the same general character. Christian B. Herr is to be remembered by “The Transfiguration,” and “Christ blessing little children.” “The Agony in the Garden,” and “Christ Bearing His Cross” on the way to the crucifixion are the incidents to be as- 122 The New Church. sociated with the memory of David B. Hostetter. The memorial of Mrs. Dr. William Compton is ex- ceedingly expressive, being a symbolic representa- tion of Faith and a companion symbol of Hope, and over these the pelican feeding her young, a symbol of love, the whole window teaching the sublime les- son: “The greatest of these is Love.” Last, but not least, is the memorial of Mrs. Ann Sharp, chosen by her only a few months before her sudden death. Its incidents are “The Resurrection of Christ,” and “The Ascension of Our Lord.” The gas fixtures are extremely near, having been especially designed to suit the architecture and fur- nishing of the church. They are so arranged that no unpleasant glare will meet the eye of any wor- shipper, while the one hundred and sixty lights will be all sufficient for a brilliant illumination. Much more might be said concerning the appoint- ments of this very handsome and well arranged church, but as the programme of services is planned to cover the entire week, from the 12th to the 19th instant, all of our readers may have opportunity to examine for themselves. , THE BUILDER AND FURNISHERS. Mr. John Evans was the contractor for the build- ing. The stone was obtained in and about Lancaster. David Harlan was the stone mason ; Israel Mayer the carpenter; John Best put in the heating apparatus ; Flinn & Breneman furnished the gas fixtures and fit- Its Dedication. 123 tings. he glass was obtained through Marshall & Rengier, as was also the hardware. Carpets were provided through Metzger & Haughman, while Shaub & Vondersmith did the sewing, laying and necessary upholstering. The chairs came from the Andrews Manufacturing Company, through L. C. Eby, agent. The pews were made by Albertus Swain, Richmond, Indiana. The cushions were made by Strawbridge & Clothier, and the pulpit furniture by B. C. Swan, of Philadelphia. Mr. A. Guthrie & Son did the painting, glazing and graining. Great credit is due to all concerned for the enterprise, taste and skill which have been shown. Words are inadequate to praise the Ladies’ Aid Society, the Willing Helpers, the Young People’s Association, and all who have contributed to the success of this greatest undertak- ing of the Methodists in Lancaster county. THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. The Building Committee under whose supervision the work on the new church was carried forward was changed in its membership by the resignation of some of those who were first appointed on it and. by the change which occurred in the pastorate of the church, but only one change occurred since the ap- pointment of the Rev. J. 8. J. McConnell, D. D., as itschairman. The members in addition to the pastor were R. M. Morrow, P. A. Metzger, W. A. Haldy, 8. M. Myers, D. P. Bitner, G. A. Marshall, J. L. Withrow, L. C. Eby, M. M. Fry and J. H. Selvert. 124 The New Church. * * * * * * * On the afternoon of June 13 the New Era again devoted much space to a report of the dedicatory services, and so did the Lancaster Intelligencer and the Examiner. From the first named the following account is taken, a few slight alterations and addi- tions being made in the interest of greater accuracy : A GREAT DAY FOR THE METHODISTS. THE MAGNIFICENT STRUCTURE AT DUKE AND WALNUT STREETS DEDICATED—LARGE AUDIENCES PRESENT AT THE THREE SERVICES. The beautiful new First M. E. Church, of which we published an illustration and description on Satur- day evening, was dedicated on Sunday with appro- priate and interesting exercises. The several services of the day drew large congregations. The special music by the chuir, under the leadership of Dr. J. L. Withrow, was particularly fine. The space about the altar was a mass of lovely ferns, palms and flowers, almost screening from view the choir gallery, which is immediately in the rear of the pulpit. The floral decorations were furnished by John W. Bitner & Co. Notable among the decorations were two jardinieres, filled with plants growing in dirt which had been taken from the site of the present church previous to the commencement of building operations. The morning service was opened with the singing Its Dedication. 125 of hymn No. 865, of the Methodist Hymnal, followed with a prayer by Bishop Cyrus D. Foss, D. D., LL. D., the congregation joining in the Lord’s Prayer. After this the pastor, the Rev. Dr. J. 8. J. McConnell, made announcement of services to be held during the day, and the week éollowing. The choir rendered the selection, ‘* Arise, O Lord,” and then the congregation participated in responsive readings, led by the pastor. The New Testament lesson read by the Bishop began with Romans 8:24. No. 362, of the Hymnal, was sung. The sermon was delivered by Bishop Foss. It was a spledid dis- course, and, while the following abstract cannot do it justice, it will yet give our readers an insight to some of the thoughts which were beautifully de- veloped. The text was found in Paul’s Epistle to the Ro- mans 8: 32.—“ He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.”’ It is one of the texts which ministers fear to use lest they spoil the text in their treatment of it. It is in itself'a great argument, yet simple even to a child’s mind. In considering the motives God had in delivering up his son for us, it is necessary to ask to what and for what purpose did he deliver him. Jesus took upon himself our nature, and had a human heart, mind and will. He was really and trulya man. He took our nature under lowly conditions. For thirty years he endured the discords of the world, and was a poor 126 The New Church. man, but not a pauper, for he was a carpenter and busy builder. By his hard-handed labor he sancti- fied toil, and made himself the poor man’s friend. He was a hard working man, but he owned nothing. The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man had not where to lay his head. He was delivered up to man’s hate and Satan’s malice. Was despised and hated of men. Though it is said the common people heard him gladly, they cried out that he should be crucified. His last days were made bitter by his enemies; his hands and feet were nailed to the accursed cross, and his great heart burst from the anguish within, and was pierced by the spears of the brutal soldiers from without. Jesus was God’s Son, and God was a King. How would a great king of this world act if he saw his innocent son going to execution, after being tried by a packed jury before a bribed judge? By ordering him released, to be sure. But God did not spare his Son, but instead gave Christ over to his enemies that we might through him be saved. He rifled heaven to find its choicest treasure for us. As he then poured out heaven’s choicest treasure for us, what will he stop at now. All the gifts we receive now are but as the wrappings for that unspeakably rich gift, Jesus. No good gift will be withheld from those who walk uprightly. Christ’s last appeal on earth to God was divine mercy for the world, not because the world deserved it, but because he forgave its sins against him, and desired salvation for it. Its Dedication. 127 The eighth chapter of Romans, so full of promises, is one of the most beautiful parts of the Scriptures; and this-man, Paul, who wrote it, the speaker hoped would be among the first of the host above whom he would see in heaven. The seventh chapter is a “slough of despond,” and those who were living in it should leave it and come into the eighth of Romans. Christians are heirs of all things with Jesus Christ. The answer to the question of the text means deliv- erance from sin, and maintenance in the love of Christ. When our faith is weak, and we are apt to think we are not Christians because of past neglect of our duties, when the devil tempts us most, even reminding us of progress unmade and duties neg- lected, then we should look to the cross and ery to God, whom we still love, and the blessings we need will come to us. As God gives us all things, we should give him ourselves and our substance. THE COLLECTION. At the conclusion of the sermon Mr. R. M. Mor- row, president of the Board of Trustees, read a finan- cial statement. This was as follows: Cost, as per contracts and bills, about $83,000. Paid on account, $41,061.18; subscriptions, etc., $10,493.20. Total, $51,554.38. Balance unprovided for, $31,445.62. Mortgage on ground, $12,000, leaving the amount now required $19,445.62. By request of the pastor Mr. Walter A. Haldy, treasurer, named a number of collectors, who went 128 The New Church. among the congregation and received the names of subscribers to the building fund. The total sum subscribed in the morning was $6,500. After the collection the doxology was sung and the benediction was pronounced by Bishop Foss. THE AFTERNOON SERVICES. The afternoon exercises partook partly of Chil- dren’s Day exercises, as this was the second Sunday in June, and a service of dedication. As an opening hymn, “Up to Thy Throne” was sung, followed by an earnest prayer by Rev. C. Lee Gaul, pastor of St. Paul’s Church. “Hymn to the Trinity” was sung, after which the school joined in a responsive reading led by Mr. Z. T. Bayes, the assistant superintend- ent. After the singing of “ Marching on to the Kingdom,” Bishop Foss addressed the audience. He was followed by Dr. Hargis, who spoke very pleasantly to the school for a few minutes. The singing of “Come With Rejoicing” was fol- lowed by the offerings of the Sunday-school. Pre- paratory to receiving these, however, a part of the programme which was quite a surprise to many was observed. The pastor, Dr. McConnell, and the super- intendent, Dr. J. L. Withrow, on behalf of the school, presented to the Board of Trustees, through the president, R. M. Morrow, an elegant communion table and eight nickel-silver collection plates. Mr. Morrow responded in a feeling manner and thanked the school very heartily for the beautiful offerings. Its Dedication. 129 The school collection was then lifted, the new plates being used for the first time. After singing “ Meet in the Morning,” the audience was dismissed with the benediction by Bishop Foss. It was a most joy- ous occasion and will long be remembered by every- one who was present. In addition to the gifts above named, Mr. Aug. Rhoads presented a handsome clock, which has been placed in the prayer-meeting room. THE DEDICATORY SERVICES. In the evening the services were opened with sing- ing by the choir, the selection being “The Earth is the Lord’s.” After the usual announcement of meet- ings to be held during the week, the dedicatory ser- vices as found in the Ritual of the Church were con- ducted. The call to praise and prayer was made by the pastor; hymn No. 860 wassung by the choir and congregation, and was followed by prayer by the Pre- siding Elder, the Rev. Dr. J. H. Hargis. The first lesson, Second Chronicles 6: 1, 2, 18-21, 40-42, and 7: 1-4, was read by the pastor, and the second lesson, Hebrews 10: 19-26, by the Presiding Elder. Then followed the singing of hymn No. 869, of the Hymnal. At this point Dr. McConnell announced that the Rev. Dr. C. C. McCabe was seriously ill in Chicago. None regretted his absence more than he did, and he expressed the hope that the Chaplain would speedily recover and bless the Church by many years of service. Dr. McConnell stated that he 130 The New Church. had been requested to give some account of the first church owned by the Methodists in Lancaster, and, although he had only a mere outline of notes col- lected during the past year, reference to them might be interesting and profitable. At the conclusion of this part of the service, Bishop Foss expressed himself as pleased with the sketch which had been given and its very great ap- propriateness, and called for subscriptions to be added to the more than $6,700 subscribed in the morning and afternoon. About $650 were secured at this service. The trustees of the church were called before the altar by the pastor, and Mr. David E. Long, on be- half of the Ladies’ Aid Society, in a few brief sen- tences, presented to the trustees the carpet, pews and cushions of the church, and the carpet and chairs of the chapel. These were received by President Mor- row, on behalf of the trustees. After the responsive reading of the 122d Psalm the trustees passed the keys of the new church to Bishop Foss, who re- ceived them and offered the solemn dedicatory prayer as contained in the ritual of the Church. The exer- cises of this memorable day in the history of the congregation closed with the singing of the doxology, and the benediction by the Rev. Dr. Hargis. The aggregate amount of the day’s subscriptions was about 87,350, which will reduce the debt on the church to about $24,000. The congregation is to be congratulated on the fine showing. Tis Dedication. 131 During the week following the dedication, services were held each evening as follows: On Monday evening, which was excessively warm for the season, the Rev. 8. H. C. Smith, who was pastor of the church in 1879 and 1880, preached from the words of the Saviour, Matthew 16:18, “Thou art Peter; and upon this rock T will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The theme presented was three-fold, the divine foundation of the church; the divine builder of the church ; and its assured perpetuity. On Tuesday evening the Rev. J. T. Satchell, who was pastor in 1883, 1884 and 1885, preached from the words found in the prayer of Solomon as recorded in 1 Kings 8:57, “The Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us.” The preacher made a modern applica- tion of the text, showing the characteristics of the fathers of the church, and especially of the Methodist church, insisting that faith and earnest activity in the cause of God were conditions of the divine presence. On Wednesday evening a reunion of pastors and people was arranged for, invitations having been sent to all the living pastors, but owing to circum- stances beyond their control several of them could not be present. A very tender and affectionate letter was received from the Rev. James L. Houston and read at. the reunion. It was written by his daughter 132 The New Church. at his dictation and might appropriately have been dated from the very entrance to the Heavenly Ca- naan. Inashort time thereafter the venerable man of God passed to his reward.